Our estates work (any works impacting buildings, grounds or infrastructure services) is an important part of improving how we deliver health and care services within Frimley Health and Care. We are investing in upgrading facilities across the system in a coordinated way, ensuring public money is spent wisely to provide flexible, accessible spaces where people need them the most. As well as improving the experience and outcomes for patients, we have a goal to help staff work more efficiently by making the best use of our buildings and digital tools. Below you will find information on some of the key estates projects taking place.
Several of Bracknell Forest’s health services will be brought bang up to date with the creation of a custom-made centre for health, currently under construction (April 2025).
The three-storey development is being built next to the existing Skimped Hill Health Centre.
The new premises will house Evergreen Practice and Forest Health Group, as well as maternity services and some children’s and young people’s services and community services.
The planning application, with architects designs (No: 24/00249/FUL), can be found on the Bracknell Forest Council planning portal: planapp.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/online-applications/
The aim is for patients and service users to have a much better healthcare experience in the more spacious, brighter, purpose-built facilities. Staff working in the hub will also benefit from their new environment.
Jeremy Mellins, Senior GP Partner at Forest Health Group, said: “Like many GP practices nationwide, we in Evergreen Practice and Forest Health Group are working in cramped conditions and our practices are in serious need of expansion in order to be able to serve our growing patient population and to offer a broader range of services. This new building will be a huge improvement for patients and staff and will allow us to provide a much better quality service for many years into the future.”
The project is part of a national drive to boost community-based healthcare services, providing funding to bring services together in the same place. With better local services, the intention is that people can receive treatment more quickly, nearer home, reducing the need for them to go to hospital.
Nicola Airey, NHS Frimley Place Convenor for Bracknell Forest, said: “The Bracknell Forest Centre for Health will be a major boost for those services that will be housed in it and for their many patients and service users.
“To be able to build next to the existing health centre will allow for a smooth transition for those services moving across and will also allow those services staying put to expand into the newly-vacated space in the old building – so it’s a win-win situation.”