A new system has been launched to cut waiting times in the emergency department at Medway Maritime Hospital.

It’s called the Medical Model and means all patients arriving with a serious problem, such as chest pain, are now assessed within 15 minutes of arriving.

This has helped to ensure that only patients who really need to be in hospital are admitted while others are referred elsewhere, such as the onsite GP practice, MedOCC.

As a result, the hospital has seen a 30-40% reduction in the number of patients admitted onto acute wards as more are seen, assessed and discharged on the same day.

The model was introduced as hospital staff battled to bring down waiting times. Figures released last week showed that in March just 74.7% of people were seen within the four-hour target time, leaving 2,556 people waiting more than four hours.

This is the hospital’s worst figure for waiting times, the previous low point was in August 2015 when an average of 77% were seen. March saw more than 10,000 people turning up at the department, around 2,000 more than average.

In February 76.1% of 8,892 people were seen in the time frame and in January 79.8% of 8,997.

The Medical Model means patients will only see two consultants and will be given an expected discharge date so they can make plans and get home sooner.

Rounds have been introduced so doctors, nurses and health professionals across the hospital can work better together and those who are ready to be discharged can be identified early on.

Director of clinical operations Margaret Dalziel said: “The major change is that we are now ensuring our patients are being given the right care plan, and are being seen by the right people from the outset.

“This new approach will ultimately help reduce the number of doctors our patients see under our care, while also reducing their length of stay in hospital. The early results at our disposal show it is already having the desired effect.

“This will prove hugely beneficial in providing better patient care, reducing pressure on our emergency department, freeing up vital bed space and ensuring patients have a structured discharge care plan the moment they are admitted.”

The department is undergoing a £13.4 million refurbishment with the latest round of building work creating better access for ambulances arriving on site.

Last month, the chief inspector of hospitals, Professor Sir Mike Richards, said the hospital is showing signs of recovery after almost three years in special measures.