Letter to the Defence Secretary: Frimley Park Hospital Rebuild

Please see the letter below.

Dr Al Pinkerton MP has written to the new Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting, requesting a fresh review of whether MOD land adjoining Frimley Park Hospital could support the hospital’s rebuild.

Al fully supports rebuilding the RAAC-affected hospital as quickly as possible, in the right location and with the necessary infrastructure. He believes every realistic opportunity to rebuild on or beside the existing site should be examined fully.

Frimley Park Hospital has longstanding links with the Armed Forces through Joint Hospital Group (South East), while also serving the communities surrounding Sandhurst and Pirbright. Retaining the hospital near its existing site could preserve these military and clinical relationships, alongside established transport links.

The Trust has stated that adjoining MOD land would be required for construction and logistics for approximately seven years and that no suitable land was available. However, published information does not explain which areas were assessed or whether temporary access, partial release, leasing, licensing or shared use were considered.

Questions also remain about the full cost of relocation. Health officials told Al that some major infrastructure works had neither been costed nor budgeted for and might need to be funded from the programme’s contingency.

Key requests:

• A review of the MOD’s engagement with Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
• A chronology of the land and access options considered
• Assessment of temporary access, partial release, leasing, licensing and shared use
• A joint review led by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation
• Consideration of the effects on military clinicians and the Armed Forces community

Al has made clear that the Defence estate must be fully considered before any irreversible decision is taken. A thorough review would strengthen public confidence in the process and ensure the hospital is rebuilt in the right place.

Please see the letter below.