Backing for health investment – but not in Market Square
- There is some public support for a new health building for Hemel, but the Market Square is a very unpopular option
- Last October Dacorum Council analysed its own survey of public opinion on the plans for a health campus or Hub
- The survey asked respondents whether they agreed with: ‘The re-location of existing services currently provided at Hemel Hospital site, to a new Health Campus in the town centre.’
- The summary of the results says 42% of 793 who responded strongly disagreed or disagreed, 41% strongly agreed or agreed
- The even split shows that there would be some backing for a new facility
- But the result is ambiguous, as the preferred site is not mentioned
- The picture becomes clearer when we look at the ‘open text questions’
- The summary notes a barrage of opposition to the plans – eg:
- General feeling that services have been deliberately run down in Hemel to justify centralising in Watford.
- Many want investment in the current Hemel Hospital site rather than building a new facility
- People see the proposed campus as a “downgrade” or a “smaller alternative.”
- The Market Square location raises concerns about congestion, limited space, and insufficient parking.
- One of the most common concerns: lack of adequate, affordable parking at the proposed new site
- Strong concern that with new housing developments, the proposed campus will be inadequate.
- Residents feel a larger-scale hospital solution is needed to meet demand.
- The survey analysis is below:
- dad111d946de3fc5aee1c6b902dd881d_Public survey analysis_summary