Labour delay Watford General Hospital rebuild until at least 2032

The Mayor of Watford has reacted to the incredibly disappointing announcement from Labour about the delay of Watford General Hospital rebuild until 2032. 

The Watford General Hospital rebuild was first announced in the New Hospital Programme by the previous Conservative government in 2019, as part of one of 40 new hospitals across the country. The current backlog of repairs at Watford General stands at £31million.

The council has proactively supported the Watford General Hospital project by improving patient and staff access to the site. These include: the creation of Thomas Sawyer Access Road, the building of a multistorey car park, granting outline planning permission and providing land to deliver the new hospital.

This announcement comes despite assurances from the Labour Watford MP, Matt Turmaine, during the General Election that he was “committed” to rebuilding Watford General Hospital. The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting MP, also assured that Labour would rebuild Watford General Hospital during the General Election if it won the election. 

Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford said:

“It is incredibly disappointing that the government has delayed the rebuilding of Watford General Hospital. They have announced that the rebuilding of the hospital will now not start until 2032 at the earliest. 

We have worked hard for many years on these plans. We’ve improved access to the site, made sure there is the space needed for new facilities and granted outline planning permission for this project. 

Labour politicians, including the MP for Watford, promised they would deliver this vital investment during the General Election. They now plan to break that promise. 

I know that patients, staff and so many of us will feel incredibly let down by this decision. Anyone who visits the hospital knows that this investment is desperately needed now. This prolonged delay will see the costs of the new facilities rise and mean that patients, staff and visitors have to put up with inadequate health facilities for even longer.”