A hospital's new ambulatory clinical decision unit (ACDU) has treated over 15,000 patients in just over a year.

The Princess Royal Hospital's ACDU in Haywards Heath is a short-term place for patients to be sent when they need immediate clinical care but do not need to be admitted to hospital.

It has successfully treated more than 15,000 patients since opening in March 2023.

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The team said the new unit has increased the efficiency of the emergency department and has helped improve the experience for patients.

It has also allowed medical staff to focus on the most critically ill patients first.

Hospital director Chris Ashcroft said: "The emergency department team has worked extremely hard implementing new and innovative ways of providing safer care for our patients.

"I’m extremely proud of their efforts, having treated over 15,000 patients since opening our new ACDU in March 2023, this is a milestone worth celebrating for the department and everyone involved."

Since opening the ACDU, the team has also launched an urgent treatment centre and a rapid assessment and treatment service.

This has reduced waiting times and improved patient safety at the hospital.