In response to Philip Aylett’s letter last week, we would like to make it clear that seeking the views of local people is important to us when planning services and changes to our sites.

We take our ‘duty to involve’ very seriously, as evidenced by our active engagement programme last year and our current events which provide local people with an opportunity to hear about plans for our sites and services and provide feedback.

Just recently we held sessions on ‘same day emergency care’, ‘virtual hospital care’ and ‘hospital design principles’ – the last of which Mr Aylett attended just this week.

So perhaps the real issue is less about engagement and more about agreement? We are working hard to deliver new and better buildings in the shortest time possible and this draws criticism from those whose opinions differ about the best location for new hospital facilities in west Herts.

Amid a web of unfounded conspiracy theories in his letter, Mr Aylett calls our integrity into question.

Readers will soon have the opportunity to judge for themselves by reviewing our forthcoming board papers and understanding the steps we are taking to listen to a range of views and to make good decisions.

On May 6 (12.30 – 1.30pm) we are holding an online information session for anyone who would like to know more about the decisions related to our redevelopment plans.

Our board meeting at the end of May represents a milestone on this topic and so we are keen to use the early May session to explain the decisions that will be taken by the board as well as setting out engagement opportunities for the public.

The information session can be joined using this Zoom link or by finding details on our website. Our website also has a sign-up opportunity for ‘Blueprint’ – our monthly newsletter on our redevelopment plans. Back copies are available We hope that readers can join us.

Helen Brown

Deputy Chief Executive,

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust