Open Letter to Jeremy Hunt, MP: Ash’s Healthcare Concerns

Published on: 21 Oct, 2024
Updated on: 21 Oct, 2024

The Ash site earmarked for a medical facility

Open letter to Jeremy Hunt, MP for Godalming & Ash, from John Ferns

Dear Mr Hunt,

I am writing to you in response to an article published on Friday in the Guildford Dragon entitled: Group of GPs Are Willing to Build New Surgery in Ash – But the NHS Has Other Ideas.

As a former Health Secretary and currently our MP, you are uniquely qualified to address the growing concerns of residents regarding healthcare provision in the Ash and Tongham area. This issue has long needed serious scrutiny and clear answers, especially given the rapid population growth.

The article raises several critical concerns, which I hope resonate with you as they do with the local community. Moreover, this should serve as a broader wake-up call for the Guildford Borough community. As housing developments continue to surge, the strain on not just healthcare, but also other essential services—such as education, sewage, fresh water supply, and road infrastructure—is likely to intensify.

I have identified five key issues that the article describes:

1. Accountability and the failure of the consultation process

The article highlights that NHS Frimley appears to be prioritising the expansion of existing GP practices over the proposed new surgery supported by the external consortium of GPs. This raises important questions about the consultation process. What, if any, consultations have taken place between NHS Frimley, the Bartlett and Border practices, and the local community? Were residents and their elected representatives adequately informed and consulted, and if not, why were they excluded from such critical discussions?

Furthermore, why wasn’t the North East Hants and Farnham CCG [clinical commissioning group]—the body responsible for healthcare provision when the Local Plan was being developed—consulted regarding the significant population growth anticipated in the Ash/Tongham area, especially since these parishes were central to Guildford Borough Council’s strategic planning?

2. Allocation of funds

Section 106 funds, which were designated for local healthcare improvements, are reportedly being directed to practices outside Ash (such as those in Frimley Green and Rushmoor). Can NHS Frimley and GBC clarify why these funds aren’t being allocated directly to the Ash Vale surgery, which serves the local community? While the Border practice’s involvement is understandable, given its proximity to residents living south of Ash Road, shouldn’t the immediate needs of Ash Vale take precedence?

3. Impact of population growth

With the rapid construction of new homes in Ash and Tongham, has NHS Frimley conducted any thorough assessments to determine whether simply expanding existing GP services will suffice in meeting the rising demand? Or will a new healthcare facility be required sooner than expected?

4. Unused healthcare land

Bewley Homes set aside land specifically for a healthcare facility over six years ago, yet it remains undeveloped. What prompted the identification of this need by GBC at the time of the submission of the Ash Lodge Drive development, and if a need was identified then, why is there not a need now?

5. Long-term viability:

While expanding consulting rooms and adopting new technologies may offer short-term relief, what concrete plans are in place to ensure the long-term sustainability of these services, especially in terms of staff recruitment and retention? Given the challenges in recruiting healthcare professionals and the growing population, how can we ensure these expansions remain viable in the long run?

These questions are of critical importance and deserve urgent attention, and I trust you will take them forward on behalf of our community. I look forward to any updates you can provide.

Yours Sincerely,

John Ferns