Designs for 'fit for purpose' hospital released

Milton Keynes Hospital has called the new building "Hospital 2.0"

Designs for a "fit for purpose" hospital have been released for a city set to double in size in the next 25 years.

Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) said the architectural impressions showed what the facility could look like "to support the future needs of the city".

Funding for the project will come from the government's New Hospital Programme.

Construction is expected to take place between 2027 and 2030 and the new building will house maternity and children's services as well as surgical beds.

It is hoped the hospital could be open by 2030

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

The hospital said the city's population was expected to double by 2050 and it would allowed the trust to "meet the future acute care needs of the rapidly growing local population".

Joe Harrison, chief executive, said: "This is a significant step forward in our journey to deliver a hospital that is fit for the future of our fast-growing community.

"We want to hear from local people to ensure the new building supports the best possible patient experience for all."

As part of the early design phase, the hospital wants residents to give their views by completing a survey by 17 November.

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