The Labour leader of Milton Keynes City Council has written to the CEO of Milton Keynes University Hospital to offer support after shocking wait times figures released.
Yesterday (14 March) new figures were released naming Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) the worst performing hospital for patients having to wait over 18 weeks for planned routine treatment. Over 60% of local people wait more than 18 weeks for care.
Milton Keynes Labour politicians have singled out the local Conservative MPs as responsible after promised investment in the hospital has failed to happen, also linking the crisis to overstretched GP services in the city.
Cllr Pete Marland, Labour Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, has now written to Milton Keynes University Hospital CEO Joe Harrison to offer the Council’s full support. He has stated that by working together, MK City Council and MKUH can make the case that the situation needs urgent additional resources.
The Council leader has confirmed his full confidence in the management team at the hospital and said the figures are in no way a reflection of the work that the Trust’s doctors, nurses and staff undertake to deliver services in difficult circumstances.
Cllr Peter Marland, Leader of MK City Council said:
“It is obviously deeply disappointing that the new Women’s and Children’s Wing at the hospital has been significantly delayed. I understand that the hospital has consistently made the case that the facility could be delivered quickly if formally approved, and the council has indicated we would expedite our planning responsibilities quickly in order to ensure swift delivery.”
The full letter to MKUH CEO Joe Harrison from Cllr Peter Marland:
“Dear Joe
I am writing to you regarding the concerning publication of figures that show Milton Keynes University Hospital Trust is the worst performing hospital in the country for waiting times longer than 18 weeks for treatment.
I fully understand the pressures being placed upon the trust and NHS services in general. I know that the figures are in no way a reflection of the work that your doctors, nurses, and staff undertake to deliver services in difficult circumstances.
I would like to confirm my full confidence in the management team at the hospital, and you personally, and offer you the council’s full support in seeking to resolve these issues.
I am absolutely clear that without the strong relationships we have built between the council and hospital in recent years the issues would, in all probability, be significantly worse.
I know that you have consistently advocated for extra levels of investment into the hospital, both in terms of revenue and capital.
It is obviously deeply disappointing that the new Women’s and Children’s Wing at the hospital has been significantly delayed. I understand that the hospital has consistently made the case that the facility could be delivered quickly if formally approved, and the council has indicated we would expedite our planning responsibilities quickly in order to ensure swift delivery. I’m aware that your board recently discussed that the delay to the project now means the original concept may have to be significantly scaled back due the reduction in the real terms value of the proposed funding envelope.
I am sure you share my concerns that the published statistics are concerning, and we must do all we can to improve the situation.
I would therefore be grateful if you could let me know how the council could assist you further on making the case for investment in our hospital and other NHS services. I am sure by working together we can make the case that this situation needs urgent additional resources so you and your team can make the improvements our residents need.
I look forward to hearing from you.”
Comments