Food banks have been set up for NHS staff hospitals across the country, including Darent Valley.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust is among at least six trusts to launch food banks, amid fears that healthcare workers can't afford basic food due to the rising cost of living.

Sara Gorton, head of health at UNISON, the UK's largest trade union, described the situation as "a shocking state of affairs", adding: "Health workers helping the NHS recover from the worst of the pandemic no longer have enough money to feed their families.

“With living costs spiralling, the government must step in to end the growing misery. An inflation-busting NHS pay rise would help boost households struggling to stay afloat.

“Anything less could see many health staff quitting their jobs for better paid, less stressful work.

"This would be a disaster for hospital services, efforts to clear the treatment backlog and patient care."

Elsewhere food banks have been set up at Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust, Norfolk Community Health and Care, and West Hertfordshire Trust, while similar centres already exist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and University Hospitals Birmingham.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust has been approached for further comment.