Watford General Hospital was paid a visit from the health secretary accompanied by Dean Russell.

Steve Barclay and the Watford MP took a tour of the hospital and met members of staff during the trip on January 6.

Mr Barclay tweeted to his followers: “Good to meet the A&E team at @WestHertsNHS Watford General Hospital, view the rebuilding plans, and see new technology enabling treatment in virtual wards.”

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In response to Mr Barclay’s tweet, Watford’s Mayor Peter Taylor posted: “When will the government deliver the funding needed for new facilities at Watford General?

“The land is available, plans are in place and this investment is long overdue.

“Good of the minister to visit Watford today but we need action, not more sympathetic words.

It comes amid mounting NHS pressure and ongoing frustration over funding for a new hospital.

Watford Observer: Steve Barclay and Dean Russell visited the A&E department. Steve Barclay and Dean Russell visited the A&E department. (Image: UK government)

In May, the West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust agreed its preferred option was to build a new, large block which will accommodate all clinical facilities on land next to the existing hospital in Vicarage Road.

Watford Observer: The visit took place on January 6The visit took place on January 6 (Image: UK government)

But Mr Taylor had raised concerns that the development was “stalling,” which the government has denied.