A HOSPITAL have been saluted for a pioneering role which has boosted patient experience and reduced waiting times in Accident and Emergency while easing junior doctors’ workload.

Newham University Hospital Health Trust were commended in the Nursing Times’ Awards for their development of the Majors Nurse Practitioner (MNP) role.

The scheme allows a highly-experienced Emergency Nurse to independently manage the patient’s assessment and treatment.

The nurse works alongside medical staff and treat patients who would normally form the caseload of junior doctors. With a range of practitioners able to see them, patients’ waiting time is reduced, particularly at night, when a MNP is working.

All six shortlisted organisations in the category were hailed for “operating at the highest standards of excellence, providing superb care, maintaining quality and producing outstanding results for their patients.”

Deirdre Barr, the Trust’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, said: “The Emergency Nurses get great job satisfaction working alongside their medical colleagues and have been well received.

“This initiative could really make a difference to Newham patients and the NHS nationwide.”