On Sunday the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak volunteered on the Respiratory, Cardiac and Stroke wards at Watford General, administering medication and taking blood pressure readings alongside staff.
The visit came after the government confirmed that Watford General had received the go-ahead for a fully funded new state of the art hospital. The plans put together by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will transform healthcare for local residents and ensure NHS staff and volunteers will work in world-class facilities.
The Prime Minister was also shown the Hospital’s pioneering virtual model, which has freed up beds and provided high quality care to patients in their own homes. The virtual model of care uses technology to provide a regular feed of health data from the patient in their own homes to a virtual hospital hub where the results are closely monitored by clinicians.
Speaking at Watford General Rishi Sunak said “With thanks to Dean’s local campaign I am delighted that we have secured the funding for the new Watford General Hospital.
Dean has consistently raised the need for the full funding outlined by the West Herts Hospital Trust which is why I am so pleased to take up Dean’s offer to see first-hand the difference this will make to staff and patients during my hospital shift.”
Dean Russell added that “Whilst the funding has been secured, Watford General will remain my top priority, and I want to see works begin as soon as possible.
I am really pleased that the Prime Minister took the time to meet patients and view the redevelopments plans in great detail. Ensuring world-class provision of healthcare for NHS patients and staff will deliver on the Prime Minister’s pledge to cut waiting lists so people will get the care they need more quickly.
