Morriston Hospital's A&E Transformation: From Chaos to Calm

Morriston Hospital's A&E department has undergone a dramatic turnaround in the past 6 months. In January, the department was overrun, with little space for stressed-out staff to tend to the long lines of patients waiting on trolleys. However, the hospital's health board has since implemented a series of changes that have transformed the situation.

Among the key improvements are the launch of a new patient flow model, increased collaboration with other health boards, and a focus on only admitting patients who truly need hospital care. The health board has also worked to improve discharge processes and ensure senior decision-makers are available at the front door. As a result, the A&E department has seen a 127% improvement in ambulance handovers, a 72% reduction in lost ambulance hours, and a 20% drop in the time patients spend in the emergency department.

The changes have had a tangible impact on both staff and patients. Tristan Taylor, the A&E's senior charge nurse, says the department is now much "quieter and calmer," allowing him to provide better care. Patients like John Hopkins and Sonia Griffiths report prompt, attentive service, a far cry from the chaos they had experienced in the past.

While the health board acknowledges there is still work to be done, they are confident the improvements made so far are sustainable. With continued efforts to enhance patient flow and discharge processes, Morriston Hospital's A&E is well on its way to providing a consistently high level of emergency care.