Watford’s MP Dean Russell spoke in Parliament today during Prime Minister’s Questions to thank the “brilliant staff and volunteers at Watford General” and to keep West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust redevelopment plans firmly on the Prime Minister’s radar.
Dean Russell spoke about the need to “get started on the ambitious plans put forward” by the Trust, expressing the need for both patients and staff to have access to services and facilities fit for the 21st Century, something the ‘shovel ready’ plans will provide.
In response Boris Johnson commented that Dean has been a “fantastic champion for Watford” and has been campaigning for the redevelopment since being elected. The Prime Minister went onto confirm that he remains supportive of the plans, which are part of the New Hospital Programme.
Dean commented, “I was delighted to be called to speak in PMQs so that I could voice my unwavering support for the redevelopment of Watford General. The staff have worked tirelessly and with dedication to provide fantastic care, and they deserve world-class facilities. The plans put forward by WHHT will benefit patients not just in Watford, but across South-West Hertfordshire.
“Last week I met with the Health Secretary alongside the Trust’s Chairman and Deputy Chief Executive to speak to him about the need to secure funding to move all clinical services at Watford General into new buildings, and to carry out extensive refurbishment to the sites in Hemel and St Albans. The Trust’s plans are the shortest route to new and better buildings, and they truly are shovel-ready.”
