Watford’s MP has argued a report finding there has been “a decade of neglect” in the NHS is “unfair” due to investment.

The findings from health thinktank The King’s Fund suggest that the NHS will not be able to overcome its enormous backlog and government underfunding is to blame.

But Tory MP Dean Russell pointed to "incredible advances" at Watford General, such as the UK's first virtual hospital, installation of two surgery robots, and the trust gaining 'teaching hospital' status, as evidence of the the conclusion being unfair.

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The government commissioned paper, as reported in the Guardian, said Covid “exacerbated the crisis in the NHS and social care” but challenges from a lack of investment “have been obvious for years”.

The King’s Fund chief executive Richard Murray said: “The sporadic injections of cash during the austerity years after 2010 were at best meant to cover day-to-day running costs.

“This dearth of long-term investment has led to a health and care system hamstrung by a lack of staff and equipment and crumbling buildings.”

Mr Russell responded: “The government is providing historic funding for our NHS. Despite difficult financial circumstances, NHS investment has increased every year since 2010.

Read more: Rishi Sunak comments on Watford Hospital rebuild funding

“The Chancellor made a number of spending commitments at the Autumn Statement, making available £8 billion of funding for the NHS and social care in 2024-25.

“The government is investing an additional £3.3 billion in 2023-24 and 2024-25 to further support the NHS.”

Mr Russell was also asked about wait times in Watford General Hospital specifically.

The MP added: “I am in very regular contact with the hospital and aware that the emergency department is very busy, with an average of 300 people attending daily.

“Whilst recruitment has been a challenge nationally, progress to expand the emergency department workforce is happening.

“I am aware that over the past six months 22 junior nurses have joined the team. Three consultants have been recruited, and two junior doctors have recently joined.”

He also highlighted that he is lobbying government to ensure redevelopment at the hospital to tackle the “challenge” of the A&E layout.

“The staff are working incredibly hard, but the outdated buildings do present a challenge,” he added.