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Health Secretary and new NHS England boss visit Milton Keynes University Hospital

Milton Keynes University Hospital this week welcomed two VIPs to discuss plans to tackle waiting lists as well as building work to expand the site.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid and Amanda Pritchard, the new Chief Executive of NHS England, met staff and toured the hospital to learn more about recovery plans post-pandemic.


MKUH is one of a number of ‘Accelerator’ sites across the country which have been given additional government funding to ensure patient waiting times are as short as possible. The visitors heard about plans for extra outpatient clinics at evenings and weekends and additional theatre lists to reduce the backlog as quickly and safely as possible.


It also gave Chief Executive Professor Joe Harrison the opportunity to showcase the hospital’s surgical robot, a great example of how technology is helping to both reduce waiting lists and improve patient experience. Using the surgical robot for certain procedures means a less invasive experience for patients, leading to shorter hospital stays and an improved rate of recovery.


Professor Harrison said: ‘It was a great privilege to host both the Health Secretary and the new head of the NHS. As well as discussing plans for recovery, it was exciting to show them the new building works on site. Both of our guests were delighted to be able to talk to a wide range of staff about their experiences of working during this unprecedented time.


‘Mr Javid was particularly pleased to chat with our frontline staff as he continues to support the health agenda in his new role as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.’


Mr Javid and Ms Pritchard were also able to see building work on the new Maple Centre, which will provide specialist care for patients and avoid the need for them to be admitted to the main hospital wards. The unit will have 26 beds and 16 assessment rooms and is due to open in Autumn 2022. The pair further were able to hear more about plans for a separate Women’s and Children’s hospital on the current hospital site.

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