The government has committed to funding nearly £12 million for rebuilding Watford General Hospital.

The funding will be used to deliver the next phase of preparing the site for the new building as well as funding a project team to drive forward this next stage of the project.

In January, when the government announced its review into the New Hospital Programme (NHP) and provided a new timetable for delivering the schemes across the country, it was confirmed that Watford General would be funded and rebuilt.

Confirmation was received this week that the NHP had committed £11.86 million for the next phase of works.

Matthew Coats, chief executive of West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, 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.”