Campaigners have rallied behind calls to protect Chase Hospital, backing a pledge to fight “tooth and nail” against any closure or cut to services.

Erik Birkett, of the You Know the Chase Hospital Makes Sense campaign, said opposition must remain firm unless and until a fully operational replacement facility is in place in Whitehill and Bordon.

Responding to recent headlines, Mr Birkett backed Cllr Andy Tree’s stance that Chase Hospital should not close or lose services without a fully workable alternative — but warned a proposed “health hub” would not be enough.

“A health hub will not, and cannot, be a suitable alternative,” he said. “It will not be able to accommodate the full range of diagnostics and equipment required for what is now described as a ‘one-stop shop’ healthcare facility.”

He also rejected suggestions that services could, in a worst-case scenario, be moved out of the town altogether, describing the idea as unnecessarily alarming.

With Whitehill and Bordon’s population projected to reach around 33,000 by 2033 — making it the largest town in East Hampshire — Mr Birkett said it would be unreasonable for NHS provision to be withdrawn.

“An area with such a significant and growing population should always have the best healthcare building possible,” he said.

In December 2025, Mr Birkett contacted parish and town councils seeking support to keep the hospital open. Responses were mixed.

Liphook Parish Council acknowledged his request, Grayshott Parish Council asked for further information, and Whitehill Town Council initially said it had not received the email before later responding.

Lindford Parish Council discussed the issue in January 2026 and formally opposed any closure or further reduction in services until a suitable alternative is operational — a stance now also adopted by Whitehill Town Council.

Mr Birkett said that, aside from Lindford and Whitehill councils, no other local authorities have yet publicly backed the campaign.