Is there a choice – or is it one or the other?

That is the stark question the leader of Whitehill Town Council has effectively asked the Health Minister amid ongoing uncertain about the future of The Chase Hospital.

Cllr Andy Tree has sent a three-page letter on behalf of WTC to Wes Streeting that asks five key questions on the future delivery of health services in the town.

He also calls for “clear and unequivocal clarification” to ascertain whether there is scope to retain the Chase community hospital once the health hub is built, or if there’s only room for the latter.

Cllr Tree asks: “We would like to understand whether it is effectively a choice between having Chase Community Hospital or the Health Hub, or whether both could co-exist and both provide medical related services.

“And is replacing the hospital with a new health hub truly in the interests of W&B residents from an adequate future healthcare provision point of view, and are you as Health Minister, willing to review and give judgement?

“A large number of residents would be incredibly grateful of this intervention as they passionately believe that Chase Community Hospital should be retained and would appreciate a proper review.”

Cllr Tree’s submission – sent in “good faith” to the government – includes reports from the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB), a copy of the 2013 ‘Chase Charter’ press release which promised investment in the hospital, and a business case which has been “completely u-turned”.

It also asks how the ICB have taken increased housebuilding targets into consideration in “future proofing” the hub with hundreds more dwellings set to be built around W&B over the coming years.

He ends by inviting Mr Streeting to visit W&B and Chase Community Hospital to understand the issues for himself.