I have long campaigned for improved local medical facilities and hospitals serving Bushey/ Radlett. 

I know how important Watford General Hospital is to our community, it is used by many local residents, including me – my son was born there. However, I know that constituents have written to me about the need to bring the facilities up to date for modern healthcare. 

It was therefore fantastic that the previous government announced Watford General Hospital would receive much needed government funding, with a fully funded new hospital built by 2030. This was part of the New Hospital Programme, the biggest hospital building programme in a generation to deliver world-class healthcare services.

Having worked closely with the local NHS as MP for Hertsmere, I know how important improving Watford General’s services are to the community. As recently as last year, I visited the hospital to receive an update on the progress of the redevelopment, a timeline of completion and see a model of what the site will look like. 

In December I, along with MPs from surrounding constituencies, wrote to the Health Secretary to ask the government to prioritise the redevelopment at Watford. In addition to this, I asked Written Parliamentary Questions and made representations on behalf of concerned constituents about the hospital’s facilities. 

I am extremely disappointed to learn that the government have delayed the redevelopment of Watford General. Their recent announcement will mean that construction of the main hospital building will not start until at least 2032 and potentially as late as 2034.

Local people deserve these state-of-the-art facilities sooner, whether they are patients or staff. I will continue to work with the local NHS and scrutinise the government to ensure we have the infrastructure in place as soon as possible to serve our community. 

I hope in the future we will be able to have a hospital that serves ourselves, our parents and our children.