About us Latest News Official opening of Rooming in Rooms On Friday 11 April 2025 we were joined by The Worshipful the Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Andy Lloyd, and Mayoress Diane Lloyd on Walnut Ward (Special Care Baby Unit - SCBU) to officially open our ‘Rooming in Rooms’. These side rooms on the Unit; newly named Sky and Woodland, are used to support families as they prepare to take baby home. With clinical staff just on the other side of the door, parents can spend a night or two in the homely environment, caring for their baby around the clock before they leave the Unit and get to ring the Little Buds bell! “We were delighted to welcome The Mayor and Mayoress of Dartford, Andy and Diane, to officially open our rooming in rooms. Having a baby on the neonatal unit can be extremely stressful. In addition to all the health concerns, parents can spend potentially months of nights away from their baby. Rooming in prior to discharge is a chance to gain confidence and ask any questions before the big step out of the door. We aim to create an environment that does not feel clinical, yet the nurses are just outside the door for any questions. As a unit we would like to extend our thanks to our families for their feedback which has guided the refurbishment, and the team around us who supported this project. We would particularly like to thank the kindness and generosity of our Little Bud Donors as without them this would not have been possible.” Annette Pope, Neonatal Matron at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust This project was funded by our Little Buds Fund; one of Valley Hospital Charity’s thematic special funds, which supports our maternity services and SCBU at Darent Valley Hospital. Thanks to our amazing supporters like Laila, a graduate of Walnut Ward who was born at 30 weeks +3, weighing a mere 3lb 3oz, skipped 67 skips every day of July for her 10th birthday, in recognition of being born 67 days early. Laila raised a phenomenal £1,210 to help other premature babies like her. “Each room is thoughtfully equipped with amenities that enable families to share meals together, reinforcing the sense of unity and togetherness. This initiative reflects a significant commitment to family-integrated care (FICare), which is established on Walnut Ward, and aims to enhance the overall experience for families during their journey through neonatal care.” Temitope Sholanke, Kent, Surrey and Sussex Neonatal Operational Delivery Network Care Co-ordinator, who was present at the official opening. Thank you to all our Little Buds Fund supporters for making this possible!