Mayor of Watford responds to the Prime Minister’s statement on rebuilding Watford General Hospital

The Prime Minister today told the Commons that he believes “Watford has waited long enough” for a new hospital and that he will work with the Health Secretary to “work quickly for a new hospital, as quickly as possible”.

While this is the second time this week that the Prime Minister has had warm words for the hospital rebuild, there is yet any indication of further action. The current government has said that the construction of a new hospital will not start until some time between 2032 and 2034.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said:

“I have been pressing successive governments for years on this issue of rebuilding Watford General. While I welcome these warm words from the Prime Minister, they mean little without any action or detail behind them.

“We have done everything we can to support this vital project. The land needed for a new hospital is available and planning permission is in place. It’s time for the Government to fulfil their side and provide the funding for the project to go ahead.

“Patients and staff deserve more than nice words. We need confirmation of when construction will start.”