The New Hospitals Programme review terms of reference appear bad news for Watford General as it falls in the “full range of options” category.

On Friday (September 20), the government shared guidance on how its review into the plan to build 40 new hospitals by 2030 will work.

There are 25 schemes deemed to fall within the scope of the review and 21 outside of it. Where a project is outside, it “assumes these will continue to their current delivery timelines”.

All other projects, including Watford General Hospital, will have “a full range of options to be taken forward for the overall size and ambition of the programme” presented.

It added: “The hospitals in scope will be prioritised according to the criteria.

“The review will look at the possible timelines for delivery for each scheme, along with clinical considerations, risk and cost profiles and present a range of options to be taken forward.

“Options and recommendations for phasing of the programme will then be established for ministers to consider.”

Watford General Hospital plan impression.Watford General Hospital plan impression. (Image: West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust) All decisions on how projects will end up being delivered will be confirmed as part of the spending review process and the review is set to conclude “as soon as possible”.

The government put all completed or near-completed hospitals, those with approved full business cases, and any with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) out of scope.

In Watford, a multi-storey car park has already gone up, an overall planning application has been approved, all the land has been bought, and a new access road has been laid.

Mayor Peter Taylor has written to the health secretary, Wes Streeting, and Watford MP Matt Turmaine on behalf of Watford Borough Council calling for clarity after years of delay.

Update - Watford mayor writes to Secretary of State in light of the latest guidance:

Watford MP Matt Turmaine with Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth MP in the House of Commons.Watford MP Matt Turmaine with Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth MP in the House of Commons. (Image: Matt Turmaine) Today (September 23), Mr Turmaine said he has had a “positive” face-to-face meeting with Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth MP to make the case for Watford’s hospital.

“It is clear to me, and I have also made it crystal clear to the government, that Watford’s well-prepared rebuilding scheme is at a very advanced stage and ready to go,” the Labour MP said.

“As a Watford resident and the town’s MP I am in position to and will always champion our hospital’s cause in the corridors of power.”