Frimley Park Hospital Move: What Local Residents Need to Know
A Major Shift Coming to Our Healthcare Landscape
The proposed relocation of Frimley Park Hospital represents one of the most significant changes to local healthcare provision in a generation, and Surrey Heath MP Al Pinkerton is demanding answers about how this decision was made. The hospital, which currently serves thousands of residents across our community, will move to a new site at Pine Ridge Golf Club—a development prompted by structural concerns with the existing building’s reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) materials. This isn’t a minor refurbishment like a loft conversion or loft rebuilding project you might see across Surrey Heath’s residential neighbourhoods. This is healthcare infrastructure affecting everyone who lives here. Pinkerton’s concerns centre on the absence of formal public consultation, questioning whether the health overview and scrutiny committee fully considered the implications of relocating a major hospital without giving residents a proper voice in the process. The move will reshape how our community accesses medical services for years to come, making transparency and community input essential.
Why the Consultation Decision Matters to You
According to documents disclosed through Freedom of Information requests, the joint health overview and scrutiny committee—chaired by Trefor Hogg—decided against holding a formal public consultation. Their reasoning: the relocation would cause no negative impact on patient access since the new location remains within five miles of the current hospital. But Pinkerton challenges this logic, asking what evidence actually supports that conclusion. For residents across Surrey Heath, Camberley, and Frimley, this raises real questions. Will travel times increase for elderly patients or those without cars? How will the temporary period during construction affect emergency services? Local campaigners have already voiced strong opposition, describing the decision as unthinkable. Community groups and residents deserve to understand the full picture—from transportation logistics to service continuity. When major infrastructure decisions affect your family’s healthcare, the difference between informed consultation and top-down planning can feel significant. This isn’t comparable to planning decisions about local building projects through Guilford builders or residential schemes. Healthcare affects everyone.
What Happens Next and How to Stay Involved
Residents should know that this conversation isn’t over. Pinkerton’s open letter signals that local political scrutiny will continue, and community voices matter in shaping the outcome. If you have concerns about the hospital relocation—whether related to transport accessibility, service continuity, or the environmental impact on Pine Ridge Golf Club—now is the time to make them heard. Contact your MP, engage with local councillors, and participate in any future consultations that may be announced. Keep an eye on updates from Frimley Park Hospital NHS Trust and the Surrey Heath joint overview and scrutiny committee for any changes to their consultation approach. Local community groups and campaign organisations will likely continue organising discussions and gathering resident feedback. This is healthcare affecting your neighbourhood, and transparency matters. Whether you’re a regular patient, concerned about emergency access, or simply invested in how our area’s infrastructure develops, staying informed and engaged is crucial. The decisions made now about Frimley Park Hospital will impact healthcare provision here for decades to come.
Source: MP questions decision not to consult on new Frimley Park Hospital
