The borough council will ask the government for formal confirmation that the Watford General Hospital rebuild will proceed as planned.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting had confirmed pre-election that Labour would complete the project, but the local authority is now seeking reassurance following the party's election. 

A motion was passed at last night's (July 16) full council meeting, following which mayor Peter Taylor will write to Mr Streeting asking him “to confirm whether the New Hospital Programme is continuing and whether Watford General Hospital will still be included within that programme”.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care West Streeting.Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting. (Image: PA)

The motion also called for him to write to Watford MP Matt Turmaine to ask for his support “ensuring Watford General Hospital is a priority for rebuilding under the new government and what is their plan to make sure it gets built”.

The full text recognised how hard the maternity team and all local NHS staff work to deliver excellent care as well as improvement over recent years, but added that it could be further improved by provision of a new hospital which would “vastly” boost local health outcomes.

During the meeting, the mayor said: “We’ve waited many, many years. I’ve been in endless meetings, endless discussions.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor.Watford mayor Peter Taylor.

“All of us, not just in Watford, but the surrounding region, need those new facilities.”

He added: “Now it’s the job of a Labour government to provide the funding so we can finally get that new hospital.”

Labour group leader Nigel Bell said that Watford’s MP had told him that he has already written to Mr Streeting and is advocating for the project.

Cllr Bell said that it was “quite right” that councillors hold the government to account over delivering funding but assured them it is something his party is committed to.

Cllr Nigel Bell.Cllr Nigel Bell.

He also highlighted that Mr Streeting had spoken about Watford's hospital specifically during the general election campaign.

In June, the then shadow health secretary said: “Only Labour has a plan to deliver the change our NHS needs.

“We are committed to delivering the New Hospitals Programme, including Watford General Hospital.”

Design showing how a rebuilt Watford General Hospital would look.Design showing how a rebuilt Watford General Hospital would look. (Image: BDP/West Herts NHS Trust)

Watford MP Matt Turmaine said: “I am delighted that councillors in Watford are enthusiastic for Labour’s agenda for change, overwhelmingly voted for by the residents of Watford on July 4."

He said it "should come as no surprise" that he had written to the Department of Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government regarding securing funding for the hospital re-build, which were "issues of importance"  to his constituents.

“It’s nice to see the motions going through council, but the ask has already been done," Mr Turmaine added.