A&E near Swale

A&E waiting times near Swale

Nearest is Medway Maritime Hospital, 10.5 miles. These hospitals do not publish live waits, so here is how they did last month. In September 2026, 7 in 10 people at Medway Maritime Hospital were seen within 4 hours.

Drive there Public transport

If someone's life is at risk, call 999 now.

Chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, a suspected stroke, a fit that does not stop, or someone who cannot be woken. Do not drive to A&E in those cases: call 999.

A&E departments within 25 miles

Nearest first. Each figure is for that hospital in September 2026. Specialist units, such as eye hospitals, are listed separately below.

Medway Maritime Hospital

10.5 miles. Medway NHS Foundation Trust. 10,910 visits in September 2026. Directions

71% within 4 hours

Southend Hospital

13.6 miles. Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. 9,735 visits in September 2026. Directions

58% within 4 hours

Maidstone Hospital

14.5 miles. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. 9,395 visits in September 2026. Directions

75% within 4 hours

William Harvey Hospital

16.5 miles. East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. 6,985 visits in September 2026. Directions

47% within 4 hours

Basildon Hospital

19.6 miles. Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. 11,025 visits in September 2026. Directions

53% within 4 hours

Darent Valley Hospital

23.2 miles. Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. 12,365 visits in September 2026. Directions

74% within 4 hours

NHS England figures, September 2026. Checked for new figures 14 October 2026. About the data.

Where should I go?

Life-threatening (chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, signs of a stroke, a fit that does not stop, someone who cannot be woken): call 999.
An injury or illness that cannot wait but is not life-threatening: A&E, or an urgent treatment centre, which is often quicker for cuts, sprains, minor burns and minor breaks.
Not sure how urgent it is: 111 online or call 111. They can book you a slot at the right place.
Minor (coughs, colds, rashes, aches): a pharmacist can help without an appointment.

What happens at A&E: why people are seen out of order, what to bring, and what to do if the wait is long.

Not an emergency?

NHS 111 can book you into an urgent treatment centre, arrange an out-of-hours GP or tell you which pharmacy can help. Call 111 or use 111.nhs.uk. Urgent treatment centres and walk-in units are often much quicker than A&E for cuts, sprains and minor injuries.