Hospital to build two new operating theatres

Milton Keynes University Hospital wants to reduce waiting times with the new surgeries

A hospital is building two new operating theatres which NHS planner hope will reduce patient waiting times.

Construction at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) is due to begin soon and expected to be completed in spring 2026.

The hospital said the new facilities would expand surgical capacity and ease pressure on existing facilities.

"Reducing waiting times is one of our top priorities," said Ian Reckless, deputy chief executive and chief medical officer at MKUH NHS Foundation Trust.

"These new theatres will allow us to treat more patients, faster, and ensure that MKUH continues to provide excellent care to our community."

The hospital said the project would use "modern construction methods" and most of the work would be completed away from the hospital site.

It hoped this approach would cause less disruption, help reduce waste and lower emissions.

Between 2027 and 2030 the trust hoped to start construction on a new "fit for purpose" hospital that could serve the increasing population of Milton Keynes, that was expected to double by 2050.

In 2024, the hospital said its maternity unit was too small, and some expectant mothers were being sent to London or Luton to give birth.

In July, a new £17m radiotherapy centre and a multi-storey car park for staff opened on the site, and work is currently under way on Oak Wards, a new block with 48 beds.