CEO says Milton Keynes Women and Children's hospital announcement came as relief
Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of Milton Keynes University Hospital, says plans for the new hospital aim to boost healthcare capacity, reduce waiting times, and address future needs of the growing town
Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of Milton Keynes University Hospital, has expressed relief following the announcement of a new women and children’s hospital, which he believes will significantly improve healthcare provision for the town.
According to Harrison, the new facility is set to include additional beds for children, more delivery rooms for pregnant women, and extra theatres for planned operations. "These additions will really support patient experience when they come to Milton Keynes," he said.
This announcement aligns with a broader national plan for hospital development, including the confirmation that the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital will be part of the first wave of construction in the New Hospitals Programme, which also includes Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon.
In the House of Commons, Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, confirmed the revised plan, which would see construction for some hospitals begin as early as 2025, with the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital scheduled to start in 2026 and be completed by 2029.
Harrison explained that the new Milton Keynes hospital is intended to meet the growing healthcare demands in the area, with the local population expected to continue expanding.
"We’ve been working with local councils to ensure that the hospital will meet future demands, particularly as the elderly population in Milton Keynes is expected to double over the next 10-15 years," he noted.
He also stressed that the hospital’s design aims to reduce NHS waiting times, which have become a major concern. "We hope and expect that our waiting times locally will come down," he said, adding that the facility would help meet the government’s target to reduce waiting times.
The new hospital will feature the latest technology, something Harrison views as crucial to maintaining its status as a leading medical facility. "We’re making sure that we’re using the latest and most up-to-date technologies," he confirmed. Additionally, he highlighted staff retention efforts, mentioning initiatives such as free tea and coffee for staff and enhanced mental health support.
While Harrison noted initial uncertainty surrounding the project, he expressed excitement now that the plans have been confirmed. "There was a measure of relief that we are in phase one of this programme and a huge amount of excitement. We know that our population will benefit from this new hospital," he said.