Local Group Opposes Relocation of Hospital Services to New Bordon Hub

Activists are working to prevent the closure of a community hospital in Hampshire. The Chase Community Hospital, located on Conde Way in Bordon, was constructed in the 1990s. However, proposals exist to shut down the facility and transfer its operations to a new health hub situated in the town centre. According to NHS officials, the planned hub is intended to concentrate on primary and community care, incorporating a new GP practice and a pharmacy. All services presently offered at the hospital are slated for relocation to the Bordon Health Hub, which will be positioned adjacent to The Shed, close to Sergeants Yard. Of the five floors planned for the proposed location, two are designated for healthcare services, while the remaining three floors are allocated for residential apartments. Advocates campaigning to prevent the hospital’s closure express concern that the current hospital site might be divested for residential development. Eric Birkett, representing the You Know the Chase Hospital Makes Sense group, stated: “Why get rid of a hospital that’s only 33 years old, when the government wants new community hospitals? There’s one there already.” He added, “The people around here have not got any other health facility apart from the surgeries. If they have to go to a hospital then the main hospital is the Royal Surrey, which is a 40-mile round trip.” Birkett also highlighted, “The people of Bordon and Whitehill are getting an influx of 3,000-plus houses. The population increase in the area means the Chase Hospital needs to stay.” A representative for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight conveyed an understanding of the hospital’s significance to local residents. They explained, “[The hospital] is currently not fully utilised due to changes in how health services are delivered and services being better delivered by nearby GP practices.” The spokesperson further noted, “The NHS has previously spent time attempting to ensure the community hospital could be more fully utilised but the demand for services over the past 10 years has continued to decline.” The spokesperson continued, “The Whitehill and Bordon health hub, which will be located in the new town centre will provide fit for purpose flexible accommodation, bringing together community services with primary care services.” They confirmed, “All of the current services delivered from the Chase Community Hospital will transfer over to, and be provided from, the new health hub.”