New figures reveal over £34 million pounds is needed to fix Milton Keynes University Hospital

[Milton Keynes, 1 December] New figures reveal £34,567,959 is needed to fix Milton Keynes University Hospital.

A new analysis by the Liberal Democrats has found that £34,567,959 is needed to clear Milton Keynes' hospital maintenance backlog and repair tired looking buildings.

Meanwhile, the part of the NHS which covers hospital buildings is facing a £700 million cut.

The small print in the Autumn Statement revealed the savage cut to the Department for Health's capital spending budget next year, which is used for buildings, facilities, and infrastructure.

Nationally the cost of the repairs backlog has been revealed by the NHS estates review as an astonishing £10.2 billion. It comes alongside news that the NHS waiting list has hit 7 million people, with over 125,320 on the waiting list which includes Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, and Luton.

Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats are calling for the Chancellor to halt his plans "to make patients and staff pay" for the Conservative government's "economic mess". They propose urgent investment in local hospital buildings to ensure they are safe and can function effectively.

Councillor Jane Carr, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Public Health said:

"These figures are shocking. The residents of Milton Keynes are worried about the conditions their loved ones are being treated in. Now the government wants to make patients and staff pay for their economic mess and are cutting the budget to make these essential repairs. The people of Milton Keynes deserve so much better."

Liberal Democrat Leader on Milton Keynes City Council, Councillor Robin Bradburn added:

"This is a result of the Conservative government's dire mismanagement of our NHS. It is not fair the people of Milton Keynes are expected to suffer. Residents have had enough of record waiting times and outdated hospital equipment.

"The fault lies squarely at the feet of Conservative ministers. It is their inaction and disinterest which has led us to this disastrous point. They should lay out a plan to recruit the staff we need and to remove these repair backlogs immediately, not just more damaging and dangerous cuts."