Fresh questions have been raised over the future of Chase Hospital after campaigners highlighted ongoing uncertainty surrounding planned new healthcare facilities in Whitehill and Bordon.

The issue was raised at East Hampshire District Council by local resident Keith Potter on behalf of the Save the Chase Hospital Community Team.

He warned that the long-term future of the existing hospital remains unclear while the proposed town centre health hub continues to face setbacks.

The hub was due to be completed in September this year, but NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board said “unforeseen factors” and rental costs were behind the delay.

Campaigners maintain that Chase Hospital should remain open and say it should not close under any circumstances until the new health hub is fully completed and operational.

Campaigner Eric Birkett, of the You Know the Chase Hospital Makes Sense group, also questioned how funding and planning decisions were handled in the past.

He said: “Decisions made by councillors should not have taken place in 2021, especially when you read what had been put to them about the risks of a new Bordon Town not becoming viable and EHDC losing their reputation.

“I intimate that there was a conflict of interest, especially as the funding was agreed before any planning information was put out to members of the public for them to object and comment on, and of course nearly £1 million had been pledged for a health hub without any planning permission. No further action was taken.”

EHDC Deputy Leader Cllr Andy Tree told the meeting that healthcare provision remained a priority but acknowledged that the council has no direct control over NHS decisions.

Cllr Tree, who is also leader of Whitehill Town Council, said: “I have consistently said I do not support the closure of Chase Hospital unless the NHS can genuinely deliver us an equivalent or better long-term solution first.

“Unless that ever happens, I expect them to honour their commitment to keep Chase Hospital open ongoing.

“Nothing is more important than health and although I do not control the NHS, I promise to use my councillor roles to push for the best for fellow residents. The Government cannot fairly impose housing on us without us having proper medical facilities.”

Following the meeting, Mr Tree wrote to the Health Secretary, with the letter approved by his Whitehill & Bordon Community Party colleagues. No reply has been received.

The lack of response has added to long-standing uncertainty among residents over whether the NHS will keep its word on the future of the hospital.

In its most recent update on the proposed health hub, issued in September 2025, the NHS said: “The Chase Community Hospital will not close until a viable alternative is available.”

East Hampshire District Council said it was continuing to push for clarity on the issue.

A spokesperson said: “We have been in correspondence with Mr Birkett on this issue and are happy to have had the opportunity to answer his queries.

“The planning application that was approved in 2024 followed standard rules with the required consultation period.”

The council said the separate Cabinet decision on the use of Section 106 funding for the health hub followed all standard procedures, with the proposal published in advance on the Cabinet agenda and approved at a public meeting.

“No Cabinet member who approved the funding was part of the planning application decision. At our Full Council meeting on Thursday night we welcomed a member of the campaign who spoke to councillors on the issue,” the spokesperson added.

“Although future healthcare provision is not our responsibility, our goal is to help ensure there is increased health provision in the town to meet increasing needs.”