The first phase of the project, which saw the construction of five brand new bays, is already finished. The second phase is now underway and will involve another six being built.
Government investment came in July, following a lengthy campaign by the local Milton Keynes Citizen newspaper and MPs, which called for an improved Accident and Emergency unit able to cope with the needs of a thriving city.
The existing department is over 30 years old and was designed to provide care for about 20,000 people annually, but numbers have risen to approximately 70,000 per year since then, stretching it to breaking point.
Following its launch in the February of last year, the campaign proved successful in drawing attention to the issue, with the assistance of flyer printing in Milton Keynes that helped get the word out to people.
The MK North MP, Mark Lancaster, told the local press:
“These extra bays are only the first phase, but after lobbying hard for this money it’s great to see the physical changes implemented on the ground.”
The upgrade is set to relieve the short-term pressure on the department, although it is recognised that further investment will eventually be needed for a complete overhaul.