After months of paralysis at the end of Boris Johnson’s premiership, we now have a new Prime Minister. Even though we have very different politics, I wish Liz Truss well in dealing with the enormous challenges that face our country.

One of the biggest issues is ensuring the NHS receives the day-to-day funding and the long term investment it needs to provide excellent healthcare. This is a particular issue for us here in Watford as we have been waiting a long time for the Government to begin work at Watford General Hospital.

The hospital in Watford is in urgent need of modernisation and redevelopment and was successful in securing funding for the Government’s hospital building programme. This money would fund a full redevelopment of Watford General Hospital and improvements to the hospitals at Hemel Hempstead and St Albans. Liberal Democrat councillors have consistently backed investment in Watford General and Watford Borough Council has worked with West Herts Hospitals Trust to provide the space it needs to expand and improve.

Read more: Watford mayor writes to new PM to check hospital rebuild funding is 'safe'

Unfortunately, the project has been plagued by delays and the whole hospital building programme nationally is under investigation by the National Audit Office. To avoid further delays, the new Prime Minister will need to get a grip on the problems, deal with the funding issues and deliver on the government’s promised investment.

I have written to Liz Truss asking her to guarantee that the Watford General Hospital scheme will be delivered. I hope that she understands the importance of this investment to our community and takes swift action to ensure that Watford General Hospital receives the investment it needs and deserves.

Throughout the pandemic, we saw the amazing work that NHS and care staff did to keep us safe and healthy. If we want our NHS to be able to deliver good quality care, we need this investment now.

  • Peter Taylor is Elected Mayor of Watford