Emergency Departments and Minor Injury Units in Wales are to get a share of £2.7m to enhance environments for better patient and staff experience – the Welsh Government has announced.

The split funding will support different proposals submitted by every health board in Wales for wide ranging matters such as:

• improved accessibility,

• better access to information,

• infection prevention and control measures,

• enhanced safety and security,

• adaptations to better utilise space,

• and general estate improvements.

This investment will see the creation of waiting areas and an increased number of assessment and treatment cubicles - helping to boost Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit capacity by providing more space and reducing overcrowding – enabling patients to receive timely care.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan said: “We received such positive feedback from both staff and patients following our investments and upgrades for Emergency Departments and Minor Injury units last year.

“We want to continue this to support improving patient and staff care.

“Our £2.7 million investment should enhance both patients’ and staff experience in waiting rooms, and when accessing or providing care and treatment throughout the departments.

“Our Emergency Departments are always open and ready to support those who have life-threatening and emergency conditions.

“But we can all play a role in helping to reduce some pressure on our emergency services, by considering whether we need to go to an Emergency Department, or whether other options, like using the dedicated Minor Injury Units or free NHS 111 Wales service and community pharmacists, might provide quicker treatment options for us.”

Some of the projects for improvements in Emergency Departments (ED) and Minor Injury Units (MIU) that have been approved for funding for the Hywel Dda University Health Board area, include: food and beverage trolleys at Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest; additional electrical sockets for clinical equipment and replacement stock room at Glangwili General Hospital.

All sites will have visualite sensory and well-being feature ceiling lighting to provide a calming environment, particularly for children with sensory issues or learning disabilities.