MP shocked at speed of hospital decay
2nd October 2009
Mike Penning visited Watford and Hemel hospitals to see for himself how they are coping with the changes.
Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning, has visited both Watford and Hemel Hempstead hospitals to see first-hand the effects of the relocation of emergency services to Watford.
First Mike went to Watford and visited many wards and spoke to patients and staff. He said:
“It is clear that Watford is finding it hard to cope with the extra patients. The hospital had the overall appearance of working at 105% - with more patients than available beds on nearly every ward.
“I am full of admiration for the staff at Watford – they are coping admirably under incredibly difficult circumstances. But it is not fair on them – or the people of Watford – that they are having to cope with this extra workload.”
Yesterday (1st October), Mike visited Hemel hospital.
Mike toured the newly renovated areas of the hospital and met with the staff. He said:
“I am very proud of how well staff members have coped considering what they have been through. They do an excellent job in very difficult times.”
Mike also toured the closed areas of the hospital and said:
“It is heartbreaking walking round ward after ward - all empty and locked-up. Tudor Wing closed, Windsor Wing empty. I’ve never been to a ghost town but this is what it must be like.
“It’s shocking how quickly buildings that were occupied up until only a few days ago can deteriorate and become dirty and unloved.
“This is a devastating situation for a town that once had a full General Hospital. This Labour Government has destroyed our hospital. They are spending £110 billion on the NHS this year and yet it is clear that this money is not getting to the front line services.
“We’ve paid our taxes and yet Labour is continuing to channel money to its northern heartlands.
“It is clear to me that moving acute services to Watford has not been a success. It is madness. Watford can’t cope. I will fight and fight for our own full service hospital. I sincerely believe it is still achievable, and vital for a borough the size of Dacorum – the largest in Hertfordshire.”
Photo: Mike Penning at the Hemel hospital site, (Photo courtesy of Hemel Hempstead Gazette)
