Darent Valley Hospital (DVH) was one of the country's top performers when it came to A&E waiting times last month.

A total of 83.1% of patients treated at the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, in Dartford, were dealt with within four hours, which is the set target for the health service.

The hospital had the second highest percentage in Kent, behind Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, which was at 86.7%.

The NHS wants its hospitals to reach 95%.

Figures in East Kent were a lot lower, with only 68.8% of patients being treated within the suggested time period.

Of the 9,870 patients seen at the trust in Darenth Wood Road, 1,667 had to wait longer than four hours.

Waiting times are calculated from the point someone walks through the door to when they are either discharged or sent to a ward.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust spokesman Glyn Oakley said: "It is our aim to see patients attending the A&E as soon as possible based upon their clinical need.

"We have an excellent team of staff at the hospital who work closely together to ensure patients can be seen, discharged or admitted safely in an efficient and timely manner.

"Waiting times are however greatly affected by how well the public use local healthcare services and should only come to the A&E if they have been involved in a serious accident or require genuine emergency care.

"This will help us to see those in the most need sooner and ensure people get the right care at the right time and in the right place.”

Close to 50,000 people used the emergency departments in Kent last month, with DVH accumulating just over 20% of those visits.

From the 134 trusts that had figures recorded, the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust had the 43rd highest percentage of patients seen within four hours.