‘New ward will help ease winter strain’

The new 24-bed Tudor ward was named by the West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust patients’ panel, which also covers Hemel Hempstead and St Albans hospitals.

More than £1.6 million has been invested in the project, which, according to hospital staff, will help to manage growing winter pressures on its services.

The new ward – made up of 12 single bedrooms and three bays of four beds –will care for patients who are ready to return home or transfer to another form of care, for instance, a care home, but this has been delayed.

This might be because they are waiting for care to be arranged by the local council orcommunity NHS trust. 

Jac Kelly, acting chief executive said: “I am delighted to announce the opening of Tudor ward at Watford Hospital. 

“The new ward will help us during the busy winter period, including helping to speed up the time it takes to admit patients from our A&E onto our wards.

“I would like to congratulate the team who have worked hard to get the ward ready in time for the opening and to thank our patients’ panel for coming up with the name.” 

The ward has been funded with funding support from Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning

Group.