Two new operating theatres planned to reduce waiting times at Milton Keynes Hospital
Milton Keynes University Hospital is to reduce surgery waiting times by building two more operating theatres, it has been announced.
The new theatres, to be housed in their own modern building, will expand the hospital’s surgical capacity and help meet the needs of the growing local community.
They will enable more elective procedures to be scheduled, easing pressure on existing facilities and ensure patients receive treatment sooner.
And building is due to begin shortly, with completion expected by late spring 2026.
Designed as modern, purpose-built spaces, the new operating theatreswill also provide a calm, contemporary environment for patients and staff, said Ian Reckless, Deputy CEO and Chief Medical Officer, this week.
"Reducing waiting times is one of our top priorities. These new theatres will allow us to treat more patients, faster, and ensure that MKUH continues to provide excellent care to our community,” he announced.
To minimise disruption to hospital services, the project will use modern construction methods, with much of the work completed away from the hospital site. This approach not only speeds up delivery but also supports sustainability by reducing waste and lowering emissions.
Meanwhile, the hospital was given the go-ahead this summer to deliver a new Women's and Children's Hospital, also with additional surgical capacity, at on its current MKUH site as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme. This will house maternity and children's services as well as surgical beds.
It is expected that construction of this will take place between 2027 and 2030.
Joe Harrison, the hospital’s chief executive, said: “This addition to our hospital estate is a key strand of our future strategy which has been built around the needs of this ,fast-growing city. MKUH is now in a position to re-imagine how it sees and treats patients, and to deliver improved patient experience across the board. We are excited to move forward with our plans and would like to thank everyone in Milton Keynes for their ideas and support over recent years.”
The NHP-funded work at MKUH will also enable the introduction of new technology that will create ‘smarter’ hospital facilities.
In July, a new £17m radiotherapy centre and a new multi-storey car park for staff, opened on the site.