Councillors and MPs across the area have clashed over the recent news that the redevelopment of Watford General Hospital will be delayed until 2032 at the earliest.
The Watford General Hospital rebuild was first announced in the New Hospital Programme (NHP) by the previous Conservative government in 2019.
But on Monday, January 20, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting MP revealed that the reconstruction has been delayed to at least 2032.
Matt Turmaine, MP for Watford said: “The Conservatives’ so-called ‘fully-funded’ scheme to rebuild the hospital was… a disgraceful deception. Labour is picking up the pieces of their inexcusable irresponsibility and disastrous inheritance. The Conservatives have to shoulder the blame for this delay.”
The news has caused a rift between local councils, including Dacorum.
Adeyfield West councillor and Leader of Dacorum Borough Council (DBC) Adrian England said: “It is incredibly disappointing that the government has delayed the rebuilding of the key hospital for most Dacorum residents until 2032 at the earliest.
“We will be seeking an urgent meeting with health partners to clarify the position and to understand the implications for Dacorum residents.”
Cllr England used the opportunity to reassure residents that the Hemel Health Campus proposal for Market Square, which is still in the pipeline, will hopefully support residents.
He continued: “The proposed campus is a landmark project to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in the Dacorum area and beyond.”
DBC approved draft plans for works at Hemel Hempstead Hospital in August 2022.
David Taylor, Labour MP for Hemel Hempstead, responded: “It is very disappointing that this decision has had to be taken – the fact is the Conservatives left us with no money beyond March 2025 for the NHP.
“I’ve spoken with the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) and am pleased to confirm that the plans to rebuild Hemel Hospital are a separate project with a different funding stream.
“I’m committed to working with Dacorum Borough Council, West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the ICB to make the Hemel plans a reality and make a real difference to our healthcare locally.”
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