Hospital Relocation Sparks Calls for Public Consultation
Major Healthcare Project Moves Forward Without Public Input
The planned relocation of Frimley Park Hospital to a new site at Pine Ridge Golf Club has reignited debate about transparency in major infrastructure projects affecting our region. Surrey Heath MP Al Pinkerton has formally challenged the decision by the joint health overview and scrutiny committee to proceed without holding a formal public consultation—a move he describes as extraordinary for a project of this magnitude.
The hospital's current building contains reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), a material now known to pose structural risks. Rather than undertake extensive repairs, NHS officials have opted for a complete relocation, making this one of the most significant healthcare decisions for generations in our community. Pinkerton's concerns centre on the evidence—or lack thereof—supporting the committee's conclusion that no public consultation was necessary. In a letter dated July 4, 2025, committee leaders argued that relocating services within five miles would have “no negative impact on access,” effectively bypassing the standard consultation process.
Community Questions About Access and Planning Transparency
For residents across Surrey Heath and neighbouring areas including Woking and Dorking, this decision raises important questions about how major changes to our healthcare infrastructure are handled. The new hospital location, while still within the traditional five-mile catchment area, represents a fundamental shift in where thousands of patients will receive treatment.
Local campaigners have already voiced strong opposition, with some describing the use of the golf club site as “unthinkable vandalism.” Beyond the environmental and planning concerns, residents want assurance that the relocation won't compromise their access to hospital services. Committee chairman Trefor Hogg has defended the decision, stating that since no services would be lost and access remains comparable, consultation wasn't required. However, many community members argue that a project affecting healthcare provision for an entire region deserves transparent, open discussion. The contrast between how major projects are handled in established healthcare planning versus current practice has become a focal point for local concern about whether residents' voices are being properly heard in major decisions affecting their communities.
What Happens Next and How Residents Can Stay Informed
As this situation develops, Surrey Heath residents should understand their options for engagement and oversight. While the formal consultation decision has been made, ongoing scrutiny from elected representatives like Pinkerton continues to apply pressure for transparency. Local residents interested in the project's progress are encouraged to monitor announcements from Surrey Health NHS Trust and their local health scrutiny committee.
Beyond the hospital relocation itself, the broader implications matter for everyone in the region—from Horsley and East Horsley through to surrounding communities. Infrastructure projects of this scale have ripple effects on local services, traffic patterns, and community resources. Similar issues arise in other sectors, too; when major local projects proceed—whether healthcare facilities or commercial developments requiring services like bathroom fitters and bathroom refurbishment contractors—community input matters. Residents who wish to express concerns or seek updates can contact their MP or local councillors. Following BBC Surrey's coverage and official NHS communications will provide the most reliable information as plans develop. The key takeaway: while this project moves forward, the conversation about proper public engagement in major community decisions is far from over, and resident voices continue to shape how these projects unfold.
Source: MP questions decision not to consult on new Frimley Park Hospital
