New A&E service to launch at Royal Glamorgan hospital

60,089 people went to A&E at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital last year. Credit: ITV News

One of Wales' major hospitals is launching a new acute medicine service this week to provide faster diagnosis and shorter stays in A&E.

The Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant has decided to change the way emergency care is given.

Patient access to A&E will now be via a GP, paramedic or referrals from within the department.

Doctors and advanced nurse practitioners will now meet patients at the door and assess their medical needs before they go to reception.

Patients will now be met by doctors at the front door of the A&E department. Credit: ITV News

A&E departments across Wales are seeing rising numbers of people with multiple health conditions.

Cwm Taf University Health Board has made the decision that these needs may be better met by doctors than A&E consultants.

Chief Executive Allison Williams has called it an 'exciting opportunity' to change the delivery of hospital care.