Local campaigners fight to build new hospital

Members of the New Hospital Campaign (NHC) have successfully raised £20,000 which has enabled them to take Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to a judicial review.

The NHC is a group that has been campaigning for a new hospital to be built in Hertfordshire instead of investing in existing hospitals as local NHS planners had planned.

The CCG aimed to spend £350m on improving healthcare services in Watford, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead. Those opposing this wanted a new hospital to be built in the middle of these three locations.

In October, the NHC campaigners obtained permission to bring a case against the Herts Valleys CCG and have now managed to raise the required amount through fundraising.

A spokesperson for CCG said they will be defending the claim being brought forward by the campaigners.

A date for the hearing has not yet been set.

A specialist clinical negligence lawyer comments: “It’s encouraging to hear that funds have been raised in a move towards potentially building a new hospital in the West Hertfordshire area. If this is unsuccessful, existing services receiving £350m is still positive news. It’s obvious that there is a need for some healthcare improvements in this area and without improvements there will more than likely be a price to pay. If a new hospital can be built in the West Hertfordshire area it will allow easier access for all people living in this area.”