Plans to rebuild Watford General Hospital have moved forward after the government confirmed funding of nearly £12 million for the next phase of the project.
The money will go towards preparing the site for the new hospital building and will also fund a dedicated project team to oversee this part of the redevelopment.
In January, the government concluded its review of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) and confirmed that Watford General Hospital would be one of the schemes to be rebuilt. Since then, talks have continued with the NHP over two key areas: enabling works and project team resourcing.
This week, the NHP confirmed £11.86 million in funding. Matthew Coats, chief executive of West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This marks a major step forward in our project and a 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 cash will be used to deliver new power supplies for the site, remove the Granger Ward, and demolish the Pathology and Medical Assessment Unit buildings to prepare for the next phase of the project.
“The funding will also support a project team to drive forward this critical next stage of redeveloping the hospital – something that many other schemes have not been granted and which to demonstrates a confidence and commitment in advancing the scheme.
“Huge progress has been made on the site over the last few years. We have the land to build on, our plans are well developed, and we have the support of local and national stakeholders. We want to be a position where we are ready to go if an earlier slot does become available – and agreeing the enabling works will help strengthen our case further. We’re working in close partnership with the NHP, and the relationship remains positive and constructive.”
Further updates will be shared as the project progresses.
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