The redevelopment of Watford General Hospital has taken a significant step forward following the government’s commitment of £11.86m to progress the next phase of the scheme.
The funding will be used to undertake crucial enabling works to prepare the hospital site for a new building, as well as to support a dedicated project team to drive forward this vital stage of the development.
The announcement follows the government’s review of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) in January, which provided an updated timetable for hospital schemes across the country.
Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to fund and rebuild Watford General as part of the national programme.
We now have the money we need for this year to continue our preparations for the main build
Since then, negotiations between West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the NHP have continued on two key fronts: securing the necessary resources to carry out enabling works and retaining a project team to oversee this preparatory phase.
Matthew Coats, Chief Executive of West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "This marks a major step forward in our project and a clear sign of confidence from the government in our plans. We now have the money we need for this year to continue our preparations for the main build."
The funding will be allocated to upgrading power supplies for the site, removing the Granger Ward, and demolishing both the Pathology and Medical Assessment Unit buildings to create space for the future hospital.
The redevelopment of Watford General Hospital forms part of the government’s wider commitment to modernise healthcare infrastructure, delivering new and improved facilities for patients, staff, and communities across the country.