Hospital still affected months after water issues

A Kent hospital is still having to offer patients bottled water to drink three months after a critical incident was declared over an issue with its water supply.

Some taps at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford still cannot be used in parts of the hospital after a problem with the water supply was reported on 28 April.

Patients and their families who have spoken to the BBC have described the situation as "outrageous" and "inexcusable".

A spokesperson for the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said extensive measures were in place "to ensure patients continue to receive safe care, including the provision of bottled drinking water and alternative facilities where needed".

The trust previously said the problem in the west block (where the issue occurred) was "isolated and repaired" on 5 May, prior to testing taking place.

Later that month it said the source of the contamination had been traced to one of the hospital's boilers leaking into the water supply.

In its latest statement the trust confirmed the west block had been cleared for washing, showering and bathing on 13 May.

It says further microbiological testing is continuing and, until that is complete, it will be providing patients, visitors and staff with bottled drinking water.

"Following chemical testing back in May, all water outlets across the west block have been approved for use for handwashing and showering," the statement continues.

While the trust says patient safety has been its priority throughout, work continues to fix the supply problem.

Its spokesperson said: "Our teams, alongside specialist contractors and partners, continue to carry out testing and remedial work across the water system.

"As each area successfully completes the necessary testing and meets the required safety standards, we are progressively bringing them back into normal use."

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