Cross-party politicians have written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to request an update on funding for hospital redevelopment plans.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust is in line to receive investment after being named as one of eight trusts in the Government's New Hospital Programme.

The trust wants to build a new hospital next to the current Watford General site and received permission earlier this year for three blocks, including one rising to 17 storeys.

However, this month, the MPs for Watford and St Albans, along with Watford's mayor and the leaders of Three Rivers and St Albans district councils co-signed a letter sent to Health Secretary Sajid Javid.

Tory Dean Russell and Lib Dems Daisy Cooper, Peter Taylor, Cllr Sarah Nelmes and Chris White said they were writing to call on the Government to "commit" to the redevelopment of Watford General and "deliver the necessary funding".

The leaders added it was their understanding progress on the New Hospital Programme at a national level has "stalled" and said there is now "uncertainty" about securing the "urgently needed funding".

Hospital trust deputy chief executive Helen Brown said in a video this week the trust doesn't know how much funding it will receive.

She added: "We’ll be making the case for substantial investment in emergency care facilities at Watford with nearly all clinical services being in a brand new purpose built hospital facilities on land next to the current hospital.

"We will also be asking for funding to improve Hemel Hempstead and St Albans hospitals with some new build and some refurbishment of existing buildings."

It was reported earlier this year the trust's current plans could cost upwards of £590 million, which is far more than the £400 million pledged by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the past.

While the trust is set on rebuilding in Watford, there are continued calls for campaign groups, including the New Hospital Campaign, for a new hospital to be built on a site that is central to all of Watford, St Albans, and Hemel Hempstead.

The letter to Mr Javid indicates delays in funding announcements could give further ammunition to new hospital campaigners.

It read: "Independent site feasibility studies have shown proposals put forward by the trust are the best and quickest route to deliver the hospital facilities.

"It is also worth noting that the delay has two very negative results; firstly, it breathes new life into the campaign for an alternative plan; and secondly, it is demoralising for staff who have worked so hard over recent months to deliver the very best care for patients from an estate that is, frankly, not fit for purpose on any level."

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: "At a time when our health services have been under increased scrutiny, we can’t afford to let this project be delayed any longer.

"That’s why I got local leaders together to call for an important re-commitment of funding from the government. This is a really important issue that goes beyond party politics."

The trust has been working on its outline business case which sets out to the Department for Health the trust's costings and plans for its services in detail.