William Harvey Hospital: A Comprehensive Patient and Visitor Guide

William Harvey Hospital (WHH) is a major acute general hospital located in Willesborough, Ashford, Kent, providing a wide range of specialist and emergency services to a population of over 600,000 people. Named after the famous Folkestone-born physician who discovered the circulatory system, the hospital is one of the three main sites operated by the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. It features a 24-hour Accident and Emergency department, a high-performing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and comprehensive surgical facilities. This guide provides an authoritative overview of the hospital’s departments, practical visiting information, transport links, and recent infrastructure developments aimed at improving patient outcomes.

History and Modern Development

The William Harvey Hospital was commissioned in 1973 and officially opened its doors in 1979 to replace smaller, aging facilities in the Ashford area. It was designed as a modern “nucleus” hospital, intended to handle the rapid population growth in East Kent following the expansion of Ashford.

Since its inception, the hospital has undergone significant modernization, including the addition of a modular Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the expansion of its Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) facilities. These upgrades ensure that the site remains a critical hub for trauma and emergency medicine within the NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board.

Accident and Emergency (A&E)

The William Harvey Hospital operates a 24-hour Accident and Emergency department equipped to handle major trauma, cardiac emergencies, and acute medical crises. It serves as a primary receiving center for emergency cases across the Ashford and Shepway districts.

Patients are triaged upon arrival to ensure those with life-threatening conditions are seen first. For non-life-threatening issues, visitors are often encouraged to use the NHS 111 service or local Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) to reduce pressure on the main A&E department.

Maternity and Neonatal Care

The maternity unit at William Harvey Hospital facilitates approximately 3,500 births per year, offering both consultant-led and midwifery-led care. The site includes the Singleton Midwifery Led Unit and the Folkestone Ward, which provides antenatal and postnatal support.

The hospital is home to a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which provides the highest level of specialist care for premature or seriously ill newborns. This unit serves as a regional center of excellence, often receiving transfers from other hospitals across the South East.

Specialist Medical Departments

The hospital hosts a diverse array of specialist services, including cardiology, stroke care, and renal medicine. Its cardiology department is known for rapid-access chest pain clinics and diagnostic imaging, while the stroke unit provides acute thrombolysis treatments.

Other key departments include:

Orthopaedics: Specializing in joint replacements and trauma surgery.
Oncology: Providing chemotherapy and support services for cancer patients.
Ophthalmology: A dedicated unit for eye surgery and cataract treatments.

Spencer Private Hospitals

Located on the William Harvey Hospital site, Spencer Private Hospitals offers a range of private medical treatments and diagnostic services. This facility provides an alternative for patients seeking shorter wait times for elective procedures such as cosmetic surgery or physiotherapy.

While it operates independently, the private unit works in partnership with the NHS Trust, sharing some diagnostic infrastructure while providing private en-suite rooms and tailored patient amenities.

Facilities for Visitors

The hospital is equipped with several amenities designed to make visits more comfortable for families and outpatients. The “Food You Love” restaurant is located on the lower ground floor, serving hot meals and refreshments daily.

Additional facilities include:

Costa Coffee: Situated near the main entrance for quick beverages and snacks.
League of Friends Shop: A volunteer-run shop selling newspapers, toiletries, and gifts.
Sanctuary and Chapel: A quiet space available 24/7 for prayer, reflection, or counseling.

Transport and Accessibility

William Harvey Hospital is located on Kennington Road in Willesborough, approximately 2 miles from Ashford town center. It is easily accessible via the M20 motorway (Junction 10 or 10A), making it a convenient location for patients traveling from across Kent.

Public transport links are frequent, with the “Stagecoach Bus 5” running every 15 minutes from Ashford International rail station. Dedicated taxi freephones are available in the hospital foyer to assist visitors without personal transportation.

Parking Information and Charges

The hospital utilizes an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system in its main visitor car parks. Upon entering, cameras record your vehicle’s registration; visitors must pay at the machines located near the hospital entrances before exiting.

Standard Parking Rates (Subject to Change): | Duration | Cost | | :— | :— | | Up to 1 Hour | £2.00 | | 1 to 2 Hours | £4.00 | | 2 to 4 Hours | £6.00 | | 4 to 24 Hours | £10.00 | | 7-Day Permit | £16.00 |

Blue Badge holders can park for free in designated bays, provided their badge is clearly displayed and, in some cases, registered with the parking office.

Practical Information and Planning

Opening Hours

The main hospital reception is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, individual departments like Outpatients and Phlebotomy (blood tests) typically operate from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Visiting Hours

General ward visiting hours are usually between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Special units like ICU or Maternity may have different policies, so it is recommended to check with the specific ward manager before traveling.

What to Expect

Upon arrival for an appointment, patients should head to the Main Entrance (Purple Zone) and use the self-check-in kiosks. High volumes of traffic are common during peak hours (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM), so arriving 20 minutes early is advised to secure parking.

Tips for Patients

Medication: Bring a list of all current medications or the original packaging to your appointment.
Wi-Fi: Free NHS Wi-Fi is available throughout the building by connecting to the “EK-Hospital-Free-Internet” network.
Patience: As a major trauma center, A&E wait times can fluctuate; check the live wait-time boards in the reception area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to William Harvey Hospital from Ashford International station?

The most efficient way is by bus. Stagecoach service 5 runs every 15 minutes from the station to the hospital entrance. Alternatively, a taxi takes approximately 10 minutes.

Is parking free for Blue Badge holders at William Harvey?

Yes, Blue Badge holders can park for free in designated disabled bays. You should ensure your badge is visible and check if you need to register your vehicle at the main reception to avoid ANPR fines.

What are the visiting hours for the maternity ward?

Maternity visiting hours are generally more flexible for partners (often 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM), but other visitors are usually restricted to the standard 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM window to allow for patient rest.

Does William Harvey Hospital have a 24-hour pharmacy?

While the hospital has an internal pharmacy for inpatients and discharge prescriptions, it is not a retail 24-hour pharmacy. For urgent community prescriptions, visitors should use late-night pharmacies in Ashford town center.

Where is the blood test (phlebotomy) clinic located?

The phlebotomy department is located near the main outpatients area. It is typically a walk-in service, but it is best to arrive early in the morning as it can become very busy by midday.

Can I use my mobile phone inside the hospital?

Mobile phones are permitted in most areas, including waiting rooms and general wards. However, they should be switched off or put on silent in “Restricted Zones” like ICU or near sensitive medical equipment.

How do I give feedback or make a complaint?

You can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) located near the main entrance. They offer confidential advice and can help resolve concerns regarding your care or treatment.

Is there a Costa Coffee at William Harvey Hospital?

Yes, there is a Costa Coffee outlet located to the left of the main entrance foyer, offering hot drinks, sandwiches, and pastries.

What should I bring for an overnight stay?

Patients should bring comfortable clothing, non-slip slippers, toiletries, and any current medications. It is advised to leave valuables and large amounts of cash at home.

Is there a private wing at William Harvey Hospital?

Yes, Spencer Private Hospitals operates a private unit on-site, providing a range of elective surgeries and consultations for insured or self-paying patients.

Final Thoughts

The William Harvey Hospital stands as a vital pillar of the NHS infrastructure in the South East, evolving from its 1970s origins into a high-tech center for emergency and specialist medicine. By balancing high-pressure trauma care with delicate neonatal services and elective surgeries, the facility serves as a life-line for the Ashford community and beyond. As the population of Kent continues to grow, the hospital’s ongoing investments in modular wards and digital patient systems ensure it remains capable of delivering modern healthcare. Whether you are visiting a loved one, attending a specialist clinic, or seeking emergency help, understanding the hospital’s layout and services is the first step toward a smoother, more informed healthcare experience.