Milton Keynes University Hospital is set to expand its surgical facilities with the construction of two new operating theatres, a move NHS planners hope will help reduce patient waiting times.
Construction is scheduled to begin soon, with completion expected by spring 2026. The hospital said the additional theatres would increase surgical capacity and relieve 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 project will employ modern construction methods, with most work carried out away from the hospital site. This approach is intended to minimise disruption, reduce waste, and lower emissions during construction.
Looking further ahead, the trust hopes to begin building a new “fit for purpose” hospital between 2027 and 2030 to meet the needs of Milton Keynes’ growing population, expected to double by 2050. In 2024, the hospital highlighted that its maternity unit was too small, with some expectant mothers being sent to London or Luton to give birth.
Recent developments on the hospital site include the opening of a £17m radiotherapy centre and a multi-storey car park for staff in July, alongside ongoing construction of Oak Wards, a new 48-bed block. These projects form part of a wider effort to modernise facilities and meet the increasing healthcare demands of the local community.
