Cabinet will reconsider £1m funding unless progress can be shown
East Hampshire District Council has given a deadline of Christmas Eve 2026 to show progress is being made on the proposed Health Hub in Whitehill & Bordon or it will rescind its funding.
In 2021 EHDC agreed to commit almost £1 million to a new Health Hub in Whitehill & Bordon, to be delivered in partnership by the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB), the body responsible for planning and managing health services, the landowner, the MOD’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and its developer the Whitehill Bordon Regeneration Company (WBRC).
The intention was to create an exemplar facility that would replace Chase Hospital and Forest Surgery and provide health services fit for the town’s growing population.
As well as supporting the new town centre the Health Hub will include more Primary Care space, all Chase Hospital’s current services, facilities to meet NHS dentistry needs and the future possibility of an Urgent Treatment Centre.
However, it is now September 2026 and the NHS ICB has not agreed terms with DIO and WBRC nor have they confirmed that the necessary funding to build and run the hub exists.
EHDC has asked for a written commitment from the NHS and DIO/WBRC that all required funding is in place and formal terms have been agreed by 24 December.
Otherwise, EHDC’s cabinet will consider rescinding the allocation made in 2021 and will instead engage with NHS Property Services and NHS ICB over retaining and improving Chase Hospital.
EHDC is fully committed to help fund the best health services possible for Whitehill, Bordon and the surrounding area.
Cllr Richard Millard, Leader of EHDC, said: “The decision I made with my Cabinet to support the Health Hub plan with almost £1m in 2021 was made in good faith, to bring high-quality, trailblazing health provision to Whitehill & Bordon. I want to thank Dr Leung and partners for their diligent and continued work in trying to deliver exemplar healthcare as part of this project.
“But I am utterly dismayed by the lack of progress by NHS, DIO and WBRC and I need to make it clear that this is the final opportunity for them to provide us with proof and confidence that a Health Hub is coming or we will review our previous decision to support the Health Hub plan and our response will be clear and robust.”
Cllr Andy Tree, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Whitehill & Bordon since 2023, said: “I have been very patient on behalf of residents but my patience has run out. This ongoing situation is not acceptable. Residents have been left hanging for far too long and we deserve the very best health care facilities. If an enhanced Health Hub that is better than the current Chase Hospital and Forest Surgery offering cannot be provided with the potential for a future urgent treatment centre, Chase Hospital must be retained.”