Government wipes out Milton Keynes Hospital's massive £130m debt to show support during coronavirus crisis

The easing of financial pressure will allow the hospital to invest in maintaining vital services and longer-term infrastructure improvements.

Milton Keynes MPs have welcomed the government's move, which is part of a nationwide £13.4 billion debt write-off for than a hundred NHS hospitals.

Ben Everitt, MP for Milton Keynes North, said: "This is excellent news for Milton Keynes Universal Hospital - the team there are doing a fantastic job and this will remove a lot of worry about future stability.

“The debt being wiped means our mental health and community services across Milton Keynes, as well as the hospital will be in a stronger position not only to deal with coronavirus in the short term, but on a stable footing in the long term as well."

The government announcement comes alongside a new NHS funding model to ensure the NHS has the necessary cash and support to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

This is in combination with a simpler internal payment system to help NHS trusts deal with the coronavirus pandemic,

The change will mean hospitals will get all the necessary funding to carry out their emergency response, despite many hospitals cancelling or limiting their usual services such as elective surgery or walk-in clinics due to the virus.

Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South, added: “This underlines the Government’s commitment to the NHS in Milton Keynes and, once we are through the Coronavirus crisis, help them plan to meet the future needs of the local population."

He added: “In the meantime, I add my huge thanks to all those at the hospital who are working so incredibly hard.”