A new hospital ward will be built increasing bed space and capacity for patients.

Work on the new unit at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford has started and is set to open by the end of the year.

The 18-bed ward will all have single rooms with en-suite facilities, increasing its existing capacity from 463 beds.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust says each room will also have a special observation point for hospital staff to ensure patients are comfortable and safe.

It is set to be completed by December.

The trust said in a statement: "The ward has been designed specifically with the patient in mind, and encompasses the latest technology to ensure patient care is optimised.

"There will be some disruption whilst the work is carried out but it hoped to be kept to a minimum, so please bear with us."

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.

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Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford