Hospital bosses have warned there could be “catastrophic” consequences if potential fire risks discovered in parts of its building are not urgently addressed.

It has been revealed the external cladding at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, was not up to standard when it was built more than two decades ago.

Parts of the building present a serious fire safety risk and now need to be removed, according to Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust’s most recent board papers.

A risk report, presented at the Trust’s board meeting last month, expected the work could take two to three years to complete.

The report, by the director of integrated governance and trust secretary, stated the risk of fire, with “consequential risk of harm or death” to staff, visitors and patients, is one of the top issues facing the hospital.

As a result, the Trust has increased the risk of fire spread to level 20 on its register meaning it “will probably occur given existing controls” and the impact of this could be “catastrophic”.

Other building defects were also found including some cavity barriers which prevent the movement of smoke, according to the board papers.

An independent authorising engineer for the trust said the issues need to be addressed “urgently”.

They also identified risks with fire potentially spreading to the cladding, traffic in the area hampering evacuation and fire fighting crews, and staff being unsure what to do if one breaks out.

The trust already has procedures in place such as having fire wardens on site 24/7, staff stopping patients from smoking inside and regularly maintaining fire equipment.

It has also installed more than 100 additional fire blankets across the facility last year.

Darent Valley Hospital was the country’s first private finance initiative (PFI) hospital when it opened in September 2000 and was delivered to time and cost.

The PFI scheme allowed the public sector to be able to finance large public works projects in the NHS through the private sector.

But it has come under fire from some who argue it has effectively mortgaged the health service’s future and put it at risk of higher borrowing costs.

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust was contacted for comment