Plans to rebuild Watford General Hospital (WGH) have taken a step forward after the Government agreed to put almost £12 million toward preparatory work for the scheme.
In January, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting revealed that the reconstruction of WGH had been delayed to at least 2032.
However, this week, the Government announced the New Hospital Programme (NHP) had committed £11.86million for the next phase of works for the WGH rebuild.
The money will be used to deliver the next phase of preparing the site for the new building, along with funding a project team.
Matthew Coats, chief executive of WHTH, said: “This marks a major step forward in our project and a sign of confidence from the government in our plans. We now have the money we need for this year to continue our preparations for the main build.
“The cash will be used to deliver new power supplies for the site, remove the Granger Ward, and demolish the Pathology and Medical Assessment Unit buildings to prepare for the next phase of the project.
“The funding will also support a project team to drive forward this critical next stage of redeveloping the hospital – something that many other schemes have not been granted and which to demonstrates a confidence and commitment in advancing the scheme.
“Huge progress has been made on the site over the last few years. We have the land to build on, our plans are well developed, and we have the support of local and national stakeholders.
“We want to be a position where we are ready to go if an earlier slot does become available – and agreeing the enabling works will help strengthen our case further.
“We’re working in close partnership with the NHP, and the relationship remains positive and constructive.”
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