A new report from Healthwatch Milton Keynes reveals that residents are struggling with significant barriers when trying to access local health and social care services. The MK Health Check-In survey, published on 22 April 2026, found that 56% of surveyed patients identified long waiting times as their biggest challenge.
The feedback was gathered between October 2025 and January 2026 from residents who rely heavily on these services, including those with long-term health conditions, disabilities, and carers. Beyond the issue of wait times, 54% of respondents reported a lack of available appointments, while 41% struggled with the booking process itself. In response to these difficulties, many residents said they have begun delaying their care or relying on informal support instead of voicing their concerns.
The report also highlights a growing disconnect between patients and service providers. Seven out of ten residents felt that health services were not listening to their views, while 67% believed that their community’s input was not being actively sought. This survey stands as one of the final reports produced by the organisation, which is expected to close by April 2027 as part of the national government’s health reforms.
Maxine Taffetani, CEO of Healthwatch Milton Keynes, expressed concern regarding the future of local health advocacy. She stated she is worried that if the service closes, some of the most vulnerable people in the city will no longer have access to the same pathways for getting help.
These findings arrive following broader changes to the local health system, including the closure of the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board on 31 March 2026. While official data from the Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust showed a reduction in the number of patients waiting over 18 weeks by March 2025, the recent survey results indicate that many local patients still experience significant hurdles when attempting to navigate the system.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
