CAPITAL FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR A NEW HOSPITAL IN SOUTH WEST HERTFORDSHIRE

That this House notes that following the demise of A&E facilities at St Albans and Hemel Hempstead; Watford hospital, parts of which are over 100 years old, cannot cope with the needs of south west Hertfordshire’s growing community; further notes that the work of nurses and doctors and all NHS staff at Watford hospital are finding it increasingly hard to cope because of the hospital's deteriorating facilities; is aware that the services are under increasing pressure to provide care to all local residents; is concerned that changes to other local facilities have placed increased pressures on the Trust's capacity; notes that, as a result, the Trust is running occupancy levels higher than 94 per cent; is aware that this makes it difficult for hospital staff to provide the very best care for patients; is further aware that some capital funding announcements may be made this summer; and therefore urges the Government to consider making capital funding available for a new hospital in south west Hertfordshire.