Disappointment at delayed rebuilding of Watford General Hospital

Watford General Hospital rebuild "won't start until 2032". Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced yesterday (20 January 2025) that building the 40 new hospitals promised by the previous Conservative government will take at least a decade longer than planned.

Councillor Adrian England, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council (Liberal Democrats) said: “It is incredibly disappointing that the Government has delayed the rebuilding of the key hospital for most Dacorum residents until 2032 at the earliest. Patients, staff and residents in Dacorum and neighbouring boroughs will be severely impacted by this decision. We will be seeking an urgent meeting with health partners to clarify the position and to understand the implications for Dacorum residents. We will be in a position to say more once this meeting has been held.

"Despite this announcement, Dacorum Borough Council will continue to lead on the important and separate local work to deliver an innovative Health Campus in Hemel Hempstead with partners, West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board.”

The Hemel Health Campus proposals aim to provide space for the delivery of NHS services within more modern, fit-for-purpose premises at the heart of Hemel Hempstead town centre. The Campus is a landmark project to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in the Dacorum area and beyond. The proposal being developed is exploring opportunities to relocate services that West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust currently provide at its site to a new health campus. It will also explore how GP/primary care and potentially other mental health and community services could be brought together as part of the health campus.