The Joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the significant undertaking of rebuilding Frimley Park Hospital. Key decisions included the confirmation of Frimley Fuel Allotments as the preferred site for the new hospital and a recommendation for Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust to enhance its public communications regarding the project.

New Hospital Programme Update and Site Selection

The committee received a comprehensive update on the Frimley Park Hospital new build programme, which is necessitated by the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in two-thirds of the current hospital buildings. This material poses a long-term safety risk, and all RAAC must be removed from hospital buildings by 2035. The current hospital, built in the 1970s, is not designed to meet modern healthcare requirements, leading to capacity issues and extended waiting times.

The programme, designated Hospital 2.0, aims to create a state-of-the-art facility incorporating single inpatient rooms, modern operating theatres, digital infrastructure, and net-zero carbon design. The plan also involves retaining non-RAAC buildings on the current site for outpatient and community services, expanding Heatherwood Hospital for elective care, and increasing the use of community and digital care.

After an extensive site selection process, Frimley Fuel Allotments was confirmed as the preferred site for the new acute hospital. This decision was based on a rigorous evaluation of numerous potential locations within a five-mile radius of the existing hospital. The site selection criteria included size, accessibility, deliverability, planning considerations, and landowner willingness to sell. The existing Frimley Park Hospital site was deemed not viable for rebuilding due to significant constraints, including size, proximity to the M3 motorway, residential areas, and Ministry of Defence land, as well as the need for substantial height and complex phasing. Other explored sites were ruled out due to issues such as being unavailable for sale, environmental constraints (including the Thames Basin Special Protection Area), aviation safeguarding restrictions, or being located within the Green Belt.

The committee heard that detailed work is ongoing regarding transport and access, infrastructure, and environmental impact assessments. The challenges of traffic and parking in the surrounding areas were acknowledged as significant concerns, and the Trust has committed to deploying specialist highways engineers to conduct surveys and develop mitigation strategies in collaboration with the local community.

Engagement Process

Ellie Davies, Associate Director of Communications and Engagement for NHS Thames Valley ICB, provided an update on the ongoing engagement process with local communities. Stage one of the engagement, focusing on service transformation and the model of care, is underway and will conclude in the autumn. This stage has involved community events, pop-ups, and extensive social media outreach, with over 400 members of the public attending events and over 1,500 website visits. Feedback themes have included concerns about community impact, such as loss of green space, road access, parking pressure, and wider infrastructure strain, as well as questions regarding the transparency of the site selection process.

The Trust is committed to responding to feedback by explaining decisions in plain English, addressing practical impacts, and demonstrating that they are listening. Upcoming engagement will include a mail drop to 22,000 homes in August, and further targeted outreach to local schools, seldom-heard communities, and individuals with lived experience.

Member Questions and Recommendations

Councillor Chris Harding asked about the continuation of the military's involvement with the hospital and whether they would have separate facilities. Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust confirmed their ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Defence, stating that serving military personnel and veterans would continue to have access to healthcare services, with referrals from Defence Primary Healthcare remaining in place.

Councillor Carla Morson raised concerns about the timing of the mail drop and the need for clear communication regarding the site selection and transport arrangements. The committee also discussed the importance of engaging with disabled groups regarding accessibility and ensuring that all communications were accessible, considering the average reading age in the UK.

A recommendation was made by Councillor Richard Tear that the committee requests Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust to invest to significantly strengthen their communications with the public on the new hospital project, with consultation and engagement on a continuing basis that truly involves both patients and residents in an open discussion on the future of their hospital services and takes into account both the current statutory guidance and the governing principles. This recommendation was noted by the committee.

The committee also discussed the potential use of the land freed up by the demolition of the current hospital buildings, with suggestions including a park and ride facility. The Trust acknowledged these suggestions and stated they would be considered as part of future planning.

The committee was informed that a deep dive into the demand and capacity modelling for the new hospital would be a topic for a future meeting.