WITH the future of Chase Community Hospital in Bordon still uncertain, one of East Hampshire’s parliamentary candidates has raised concerns that services are “already being run down before a planning application has even been received”.

A planning application for the proposed Health Hub is expected to be submitted in March.

Labour candidate Gaynor Austin hit out at Conservative candidate Damian Hinds, accusing him of “putting money before patients”.

She said: “Damian Hinds has said he will campaign to support services at the community hospital and yet these services are being moved out, patients referred elsewhere, and residents getting no clear answers.

“People want to see better health services in the town, but fear the Chase will close before a proposed new Health Hub is built.

“Labour will prioritise people, developing a planned model of joined-up community care. We will allocate a greater proportion of overall funding to close-to-home health services and build interdisciplinary, patient-focused services across primary care, mental health and social care.

“Bordon is set to grow significantly over the next few years and deserves access to state-of-the-art, local services.

“If elected on December 12, I will ensure the voices of local people and NHS staff are heard in any future developments.”

Meanwhile Liberal Democrat candidate David Buxton has said local Lib Dems will “fight to stop the Chase Hospital from closing, mainly in light of the fast-growing population, and will examine local NHS plans for an alternative proposal to keep the Chase and excellent local services they provide”.

Mr Buxton continued: “My understanding is NHS Hampshire is running down medical services at Chase Hospital and the Conservatives have proposed a privately-funded Health Hub, which the NHS has declined.

“Patients, particularly those on low incomes, disabled and older people without their own transport, will have to make their own way to Basingstoke or Alton.”

And although Mr Hinds hosted a public meeting in Bordon on Monday (November 25), where he answered questions about a range of topics, from housing to the country’s productivity, issues surrounding Chase were not raised.

Mr Hinds later told the Herald: “As the town develops, it is imperative the right healthcare provision is in place for the larger population.

“It is crucial that Chase is fully retained until new provision is actually in place and right, too, that there continues to be wide discussion and consultation.”