For so many of us, Watford General Hospital will always be a place we associate with the most joyful and most upsetting moments in our lives. A place where we have welcomed new life and learned incredibly sad news. My three children were all born at the hospital and throughout the pandemic all of us have been amazed by the care and dedication of NHS staff.

The upgrade of facilities at Watford General is something that has been talked about for a very long time. It is so disappointing to hear that plans for this investment have stalled in recent months due to changes in the Government department. Securing investment in new facilities at the hospital has been a priority of mine since I became Mayor in 2018. It will remain a top priority until we see the facilities that patients, staff and volunteers deserve.

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We have worked closely with the hospital trust to ensure that they have the land they need for new facilities, including supporting the work that has been carried out so far to build a new multi-storey car park for the hospital. Several independent studies have shown that delivering new facilities in Watford is the best way to get new and improved facilities quickly for all of us. That is why I co-ordinated a letter to the minister from the MPs for Watford and St Albans and three local council leaders, all united in our belief that this investment needs to happen now.

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Anyone who has visited Watford General knows that significant investment in the site is needed. We have talked about this for far too long. It is time for the government to deliver the funding needed so that the patients, staff and visitors to Watford General can have the health facilities we need and deserve.

  • Peter Taylor is Elected Mayor of Watford