Staff have slammed the toilet facilities at one hospital in Kent amid disputed claims some workers were asked to "bring their own loo roll".

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust signed a five-year contract for an undisclosed value with a private provider to bring streamlined services and innovations across its sites last year.

Medirest, the healthcare division of food service business Compass Group UK & Ireland, took over the running of certain support services such as catering, cleaning and security – with 300 colleagues transferring to the group as part of the deal.

This also included new tech-driven initiatives including app-ordered meals for patients and the introduction of vacuum robots to clean ward floors.

But one worker at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford told KentOnline said staff were being "denied basic human rights" due to a lack of toilet facilities managed by the provider.

One of the biggest issues now facing hospital staff, patients and visitors is the lack of soap, towels and loo roll, it is alleged.

And on one occasion after matters were escalated with Trust staff they were reportedly told in an "insensitive manner" they would reimburse staff for bringing in their own toilet paper.

"There are ample facilities for both staff and patients around the hospital and the Trust does not advise the supply of personal tissue paper."

Responding to the claims, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said the standards of washroom facilities was regularly monitored, with some up to three times a day.

It said its average cleaning score was above the national standards and "it does not advise the supply of personal tissue paper".

The healthcare worker further alleged the current hygiene situation was having an impact on staff morale and wellbeing.

"We are working under some of the toughest conditions ever experienced in the NHS, but Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and Medirest are treating staff with contempt," they claimed.

"I myself have had a number of occasions where I have been unable to wash my hands after using the toilet," they claimed.

"Leaving Covid aside, this is very much an infection control issue and risks spreading infectious disease to vulnerable patients accessing vital services within the hospital, along with potentially increasing staff sickness rate."

In its statement, a spokeswoman for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said: "The wellbeing of staff is of paramount importance to the Trust and alongside Medirest, we are keen to understand and work through any operational concerns or issues that individuals may have.

"There are ample facilities for both staff and patients around the hospital and the Trust does not advise the supply of personal tissue paper.

"Staff are encouraged to either report their concerns through to the dedicated on site Helpdesk or speak with their line manager if they feel that their concerns have not been addressed through the proper channels.

Medirest also hit back at the claims, adding: "We are concerned to hear that a member of staff is unhappy with the bathroom facilities at Darent Valley Hospital.

"Our teams work incredibly hard to provide a high standard of service.

"Each bathroom has clear signage so in the event something has run out, the number can be rung and the item replaced. This is a 24/7 service.

"We take any complaint very seriously and will look into the concerns raised.

"We would also urge any member of staff who is unhappy with the service to contact the dedicated helpdesk or speak directly to one of our management team, so it can be addressed immediately.”