Waiting times at Milton Keynes University Hospital – Public update – March 2024

Date: 14/03/2024

Update: March 2024

Waiting times for patients have increased across the NHS and here at MKUH we are working hard to bring those waiting times down – making sure all patients are reviewed and seen as quickly as possible. The Trust has seen an increase in demand for services following the Covid-19 pandemic fuelled by sustained local population growth, industrial action and changes in patient preferences and circumstances. Urgent referrals to the Trust have increased by approximately 65% since before the pandemic (2019/20), with weekly cancer referrals up by approximately 70% when compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Teams across the hospital continually review waiting lists and are working tirelessly to bring appointments forward where possible. Patients are seen and treated in order of clinical priority and we keep in regular contact with all those on our waiting lists.

Over the last few months, the Trust has made significant progress to reduce waiting times across all specialties with the introduction of various initiatives, including implementing dedicated elective surgery days for cancer and paediatrics, opening a new mobile theatre unit to increase clinical capacity and increasing diagnostic services, both on-site and in the community. These initiatives, as well as the continued support, commitment and dedication from all colleagues across the whole hospital, ensure our patients are safely seen and treated as quickly as possible.

For transparency and convenience, waiting times for all of our services are available on our website.

For any patients who are concerned about their waiting times or the care they have been provided, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service. Further details can be found here: https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/tell-us-about-your-care/pals

Further useful information

Patients are seen in order of clinical priority. There are several other services that are available to you where you can receive expert clinical advice and care. These services include:

  • Your GP
  • Your local pharmacist. Pharmacies across Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes are able to to manage a range of specific health conditions. These include common issues such as sore throat, earache, sinusitis, and urinary tract infection. More information can be found here.
  • Urgent Care Centre
  • NHS 111 Online – https://111.nhs.uk/

Our emergency department remains open for patients requiring urgent and emergency care.