Overall LayoutParking is free and seems sufficient for the present needs. The Car Park adjoins the entrance on the west side of the hospital. The new entrance leads easily to the Day Centre and to reception / waiting areas, toilets, and consulting rooms. There is easy access to physiotherapy, and the Minor Injuries Unit. A major redesign of the X-ray, podiatry, and audiology departments was carried out in 2009. The new ward accommodation is at the south end of the hospital, and comprises 17 beds, 7 of which are single en-suite rooms and 10 are in small bays of 2 or 3 beds. There is a lift to first floor accommodation, which has offices and clinic rooms for all the community based services:- |  |
Midwives, District Nurses, Health Visitors, Social Services, Children’s Services and Speech Therapy.
On the north boundary there are poorly maintained stores and boiler rooms and chimney, which are due for overhaul.
Condition
The hospital is in good condition internally. Paintwork is good and it is spotlessly clean. Everywhere is warm and well lit.
There has been extensive refurbishment of the exterior of the building in 2009 with new paintwork, replacement windows and improvement and continuing care of the grounds carried out by the PCT and The League.
Most of the windows are now double glazed Upvc – the remaining timber and metal windows were worn out, and were replaced in early 2009.
Equipment
All departments are very well supplied with modern equipment, much of which had been supplied by The League of Friends.
Staff
The Matron is in charge of a keen and enthusiastic team.
Due to recent cash shortage some departments have been short staffed but hopefully these difficulties will be addressed soon.
Many, like podiatrists and speech therapists, are working part time in Edenbridge on the most urgent cases, and in a rota system with other hospitals.
Departments such as Podiatry and the Minor Injury Unit, where nurses carry out their own administration, work very efficiently.
