Victoria Collins MP responds to government’s decision to delay construction at Watford Hospital

Responding to this week's government announcement that construction of a new hospital at Watford General Hospital (under the New Hospital Programme) will be delayed to a start date of 2032 to 2034, Victoria Collins MP for Harpenden & Berkhamsted, said:

“The decision to further delay the construction of a new hospital at Watford General Hospital is deeply disappointing.

“What’s clear, from local residents and groups that I’ve spoken with, is that Harpenden & Berkhamsted needs to see improved access to healthcare services closer to our communities. Kicking the New Hospital Programme into the long grass and delaying investment is very worrying.

“I know that people locally are worried about struggling to access care when they need it, with soaring waiting lists and hospital buildings desperately requiring repairs and redevelopment.

“Local residents, and healthcare staff who work incredibly hard to provide medical treatments, cannot wait any longer. We need to see the government committing to urgent action to support our healthcare services here in Hertfordshire, and yesterday’s announcement is a key indicator that they’re failing to do this.

“It is really disappointing that the government has wasted this opportunity to boost healthcare access, just as the Conservatives made empty promises of delivering 40 new hospitals by 2030.

“I will continue to push to bring healthcare even closer to our communities from services around our local GPs and increased services to local health hubs. My priority will always be championing the interests of Harpenden & Berkhamsted residents on the national stage, and I’ll keep calling for urgent support for our local healthcare services.”