Boris Johnson asked about Watford hospital rebuild in Parliament

At Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), Watford MP Dean Russell spoke about the need to "get started on the ambitious plans put forward" to rebuild Watford General Hospital by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

In response, Mr Johnson said he was aware that this had been an issue his Conservative colleague had been campaigning on since he was elected in 2019.

Mr Johnson added: "There will be a new hospital in his (Mr Russell's) local area and it's part of our plan to deliver 48 new hospitals in this country by 2030."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson responding to Dean Russell. Credit: BBC

Speaking afterwards, Mr Russell said: "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 the trust will benefit patients not just in Watford, but across south west Hertfordshire."

Dean Russell speaking at PMQ's today. Credit: BBC

The MP added: "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."

CGI of how Watford General could be rebuilt in the form of three blocks including a storey of up to 17 storeys (shown in grey). Credit: BDP

Watford's Lib Dem mayor Peter Taylor was watching PMQs closely and had this to say after Mr Russell's exchange with the Prime Minister.

Mr Taylor said: "It's good to hear the Prime Minister say he wants to see a new and improved hospital for Watford. However, it's disappointing that he didn't commit to the plans which have already undergone rigorous scrutiny and been approved by the Trust.

"We have been campaigning locally on new hospital facilities for a long time now, with lots of roadblocks from the government. It is so important the government finally commit to move things along after the council has made land available for the building of new facilities."

The trust's preferred option is to rebuild Watford General but estimate it could cost around £1 billion.

Further investment is planned at St Albans and Hemel Hempstead hospitals and the trust has rejected calls to build a hospital on a greenfield site away from Watford.

Exactly how much funding the trust will receive to make its redevelopment plans a reality remains to be seen.