Milton Keynes has been awarded £7.7 million by the Government to plan for a new Children’s and Maternity Hospital in the city.

The Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will work closely with the Department of Health to accelerate the scheme where possible and ensure MK has health services capable of supporting future demands.

Local MPs Ben Everitt and Iain Stewart have been lobbying Health Secretary Matt Hancock to ensure the new hospital gets the go ahead.

Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, commented:

"This is fantastic news. It's a really promising step towards getting our new Children’s and Maternity Hospital for Milton Keynes."

Iain Stewart, the MP for Milton Keynes South, said:

“This latest investment will enable the project for a new Children and Maternity Hospital to move to the next stage.

“This is about anticipating the long-term health demands in Milton Keynes and making sure we have the facilities to meet them.”

Cllr Alice Jenkins, Chair of Health Adult Social Care Committee on MK Council, said:

"This funding is going to make a huge difference to the future care for women and children across Milton Keynes.

“We know there are improvements needed to the facilities available on the current hospital site and it's great to see the Government is committed to investing in our local NHS."