Surrey Heath MP Dr. Al Pinkerton has voiced significant disappointment regarding the response he received from Prime Minister Keir Starmer concerning the proposed site for a new Frimley Park hospital. Pinkerton stated in a letter that the development at Pine Ridge Golf Club and surrounding land is "fundamentally unsuitable" due to potential negative impacts on transport and accessibility, as well as the destruction of part of the historic Frimley Common.
Pinkerton expressed that Starmer's response during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) did not adequately address these "substantive concerns," suggesting that his constituents "deserved answers, not political point-scoring." The MP also raised questions about the transparency of financial aspects, the overall cost of the works, and the integrity of the site selection process. He specifically questioned whether alternative locations had been "properly explored" by the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.
He is calling for the government to halt the site selection process. Pinkerton also urged for an independent review and the publication of evidence detailing how the decision to select the Pine Ridge Golf Club site was reached.
Lance McCarthy, Chief Executive of Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, stated that a new Frimley Park Hospital would provide "safer buildings, modern facilities and an environment that helps our staff deliver the very best care."
The BBC has reached out to Number 10 for further comment.