As we look back 50 years, striking images of Frimley Park Hospital being built stand as a testament to a pivotal moment in healthcare.

Prior to its opening, hospital services were provided by six small cottage hospitals and Farnham Hospital. After the Second World War, it became evident that the existing secondary medical services in areas like Farnborough, Aldershot, and Farnham were no longer sufficient to meet the needs of a growing population.

In response, the Regional Health Authority made the decision to build a new District General Hospital. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in 1969, and by 1974, Frimley Park Hospital was complete - a modern facility covering 13 acres. The hospital was officially opened by Minister of Health Barbara Castle, ushering in a new era of advanced healthcare.

Images of the original building show a site poised for the future, a place where innovation would soon take root. The hospital quickly became a cornerstone of medical excellence, continually evolving and adapting to meet the demands of modern medicine. Yet, despite its success, Frimley Park’s compact site posed ongoing challenges as the hospital sought to expand services and technologies over the decades.

Now, as we approach 2030, Frimley Park Hospital is preparing to undergo yet another transformation. The announcement in May 2023 that the hospital will be rebuilt marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter driven by the presence of deteriorating reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) beams across 65% of the hospital.

The upcoming rebuild promises to deliver a state-of-the-art hospital designed to accommodate the growing needs of the community, while also incorporating the latest advancements in medical technology. By 2030, Frimley Park will once again stand as a beacon of healthcare innovation, providing cutting-edge services in a brand-new facility.

As we reflect on the images of the past, there’s a sense of continuity. Just as the hospital was built to answer the needs of the time, the new Frimley Park Hospital will ensure that the region continues to have access to world-class healthcare for generations to come.

This vision of the future echoes the ambition of those who, 50 years ago, set out to create a hospital that would stand the test of time.