'˜No plans' to downgrade services at Milton Keynes Hospital

Milton Keynes Hospital has denied that some of its departments could be identified for possible closure.

The council expressed ‘deep concerns’ when it was revealed that the local maternity and A&E services could be reduced or merged.

A statement posted on the hospital’s website, said: “Milton Keynes University Hospital is one of the busiest urgent and emergency care sites in the country and there are certainly no plans to downgrade or merge our A&E or maternity services.

“The Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) is publicly available and nowhere does it say these services, nor any other hospital services, are to be closed or moved.

“We are working closely with all of the other 15 partner organisations in our region to deliver patients improved health and social care services in BLMK now and in the future, and no decisions about any service will be made without full public involvement and consultation.”

Council leader Pete Marland who chairs the local Health and Wellbeing Board has called for total public opposition to any closure OR downgrading of hospital services.

He said: “Milton Keynes Council is totally opposed to closing local A&Es.

“It makes no sense in our growing city, we will fight any proposals and we want an expanded hospital.

“We want it to be a major trauma centre with the capacity to meet the needs of MK, This is all about Tory under funding and we have to challenge their approach to the NHS.”