Construction is well under way for a new state-of-the-art hospital ward set to be finished by the end of the year.

The £7.4 million unit at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford will increase bed space and capacity for patients.

The 18-bed ward will all have single rooms with en-suite facilities, increasing its existing capacity from 463 beds, and new pictures released by the trust reveal the groundworks progressing with the pre-fabricated building nearing completion at a factory in Gloucester.

They are also designed to have a special observation point for hospital staff to ensure patients are comfortable and safe.

Carolyn Lewis, director of estates, facilities and capital at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, previously said it is being built "specifically with infectious patients in mind" and will feature the latest technology to help staff care for them.

This will include patients with Covid-19 or other infectious diseases, the trust says.

Ms Lewis added: "This is an exciting time to be constructing a purpose built new 18-bed ward at Darent Valley Hospital.

"The new ward, yet to be named, will accommodate a wide range of patients and their specific needs.

"It is also flexible enough that it can care for any type of patient if and when required.

"The new ward offers both patients and staff a safe and comfortable environment located at the east end of the hospital.”

The facility will also see 10 parking spaces in the hospital grounds disappear but the trust has said plans are in place to recoup the loss.

The trust says it also has plans to build a new endoscopy suite at the hospital.

The new ward is being built at the eastern end of the hospital next to Cherry ward and will see demolition of the building known as the Bungalow.

The L-shaped building will be connected to the main hospital by a new corridor.

Work is expected to be complete by December.

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