About the unit
Our neonatal unit on walnut ward provides expert care for newborn babies who are either premature or sick and require a higher level of medical and nursing care following birth.
We have 22 cots to provide care for babies who are born over 31 weeks of gestation. Three of our cots are designated high dependency cots so we can stabilise and treat very sick or premature babies under 31 weeks before transfering them to another unit.
The unit is run by neonatal nurses and paediatricians who together deliver high quality specialised care to treat newborn babies in need.
Virtual tour of our unit
We understand that having your baby being cared for on the neonatal unit can be a stressful time for parents and families. If your baby is going to be or has been admitted onto the neonatal unit, or if you are coming to see a baby on the neonatal unit, you may find it helpful to familiarise yourself in advance with where the unit is and how to get there.
The Neonatal Network for Kent, Surrey and Sussex recently completed a video tour (below) of how to get to our neonatal unit, the facilities available on the unit and other helpful information. Press the play button in the bottom left to see a walkthrough from our front door to and then around the unit, or click on one of the other icons to explore specific areas of the tour directly.
Trigger warning
If you are a parent or carer and wish to use our virtual tour to explore our unit, please make sure you are in a safe space and feel emotionally ready to revisit the unit. Some parents have told us that revisiting the unit, even years after your baby was cared for by the neonatal team, can bring back emotional memories, so please take care.
Here is the link to the ODN website where all the links to the 13 neonatal units, neonatal transport service and Ronald McDonald House (Brighton) virtual tours are available.
We are based on the special care baby unit at Darent Valley Hospital.
We cover Gravesend, Dartford, Swanley, Crayford and some areas of Bexley. There are eight of us in the team - five qualified nurses, two nursery nurses and one admin staff.
We work seven days a week, 9am to 5pm.
We cover babies that require review for feeding, weight and babies discharged on home oxygen. Also babies that are eligible for home phototherapy.
24hours access for parents.
Secure unit – require to be buzzed in and out.
24hours visiting for parents, their other children and two named visitors.
Nearest train station is Greenhithe or Dartford.
428, 96 or fast track bus from Dartford station.
Car parking is £10 every 24 hours or £32 a week.
Parent with a baby on the neonatal unit can obtain a monthly parking concession. Monthly ticket cost £32, speak to senior sister for further information.
Mums who room in are offered meals. One parent can order lunch/dinner each day. Parents and staff share a kitchen, parents are free to bring in their own food and use the fridge, microwave and hot water. There is also a cupboard containing snacks and hot drinks for parents.
- WHSmith
- Costa
- M&S
- Chopra's pharmacy
