A&E SERVICES AT WATFORD HOSPITAL

That this House is aware of the unbearable and increasing pressure on A&E services at Watford hospital; notes that this results in part due to the downgrading of other local healthcare facilities, including the A&E at Hemel Hempstead Hospital; understands that the population of the local area served by the Watford hospital is growing; further understands that the additional influx of patients has led to occupancy levels at the hospital consistently running higher than 94.5 per cent; considers that the A&E department waiting times are not acceptable; further considers that capital funding for a new hospital on a green field site would solve these problems; and therefore urges the Government to make capital funding available to bring healthcare in Watford, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans and other local communities into the 21st Century.