A hospital in Buckinghamshire has announced plans to build a new ward after a £250 million funding boost.

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust revealed it will construct a new unit with up to 21 additional inpatient beds in a bid to help relieve additional pressure this winter and boost capacity.

The Trust said it hopes the new unit will help cut wait times for patients at the Accident and Emergency Department who need to be admitted to the hospital.

Chief operating officer at the Trust Raghuv Bhasin said: “The Trust is extremely pleased to have received funding for this much needed new unit. Building work has already begun on site and we hope to be able to open the beds for patients in the new year. This new unit together with the reopening of our Olympic Lodge facility will provide vital additional beds for patients as part of our wider winter plan.”

Money for the new unit is coming out of the £250 million pot of government funding given to NHS hospitals to boost capacity as part of the Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery plan.

The brand-new building is now being constructed next to the existing Emergency Department and the Trust apologised for any inconvenience caused by the works.

An area of car park C used by Emergency Department patients and services in the Waddesdon Wing has had to be closed for safety reasons to facilitate the works, the Trust said.

Now an overflow car park has been opened for the public towards the back of the hospital near the Claydon Wing rear entrance with signs in place directing patients and visitors there.