FAQs

We understand the strongly held views of many residents about local hospital services. Funding for the health campus is not related or dependent on the rebuilding of Watford General Hospital, which has been approved by central Government and will be funded by the Government’s new hospital build programme.

The nature of health care is continuing to change, which will mean an increasing focus on developing services that support people in their own homes and communities.  The health campus is consistent with that change and is a locally driven project to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in the Dacorum area and beyond, with a focus on outpatient, diagnostic and other care services.

Developing a business case for such a project is a lengthy process that is subject to HM Treasury rules and requires national approval to be able to move forward. The business case will test what is the best option for Dacorum and how it provides value for money.   

The proposal is exploring opportunities to relocate services that West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust currently provide at Hemel Hospital to the new health campus. It will also explore how GP and other mental health and community services could be brought together as part of the health campus.

The Strategic Outline Case, expected to be completed by December 2025, will include a review of services considered for inclusion at the campus.  It will also consider alternative options for continuing to provide services that would not be within scope of a new development (for example the mortuary and rehabilitation beds) and options for generating capital investment into any new scheme (including sale of the existing land owned by West Herts NHS Trust).

The work on the strategic outline case, expected to be completed by December 2025, will include a review of site options for a new facility.  The feasibility study in 2023 for Market Square did include consideration of parking requirements and the assessment at the time was that there would be adequate provision within the Water Gardens Car Park.  This will be looked at in more detail as part of the business case, which should be ready by the end of 2025.  

If we decide to proceed with the proposed health campus, and that health campus involves the relocation of services currently at Hemel Hempstead Hospital, those buildings would no longer be required.  If that were the case, West Herts NHS Trust have indicated they would be willing to sell land and buildings on the Hemel Hempstead site to help fund the costs of the new health campus.

The Urgent Treatment Centre will under any scenario be relocated into a new facility, including the proposed site in Market Square.