Introducing eTriage to the Emergency Unit

05/06/24

The Emergency Unit at the University Hospital of Wales now has eTriage kiosks at its main entrance to improve patient experience, increase efficiency and to support the clinical triage team with prioritisation of those patients most in need.

Patients will be met on arrival by digital screens that check patients into the unit by asking some basic questions about their condition.

This digital triage solution has been designed to provide early clinical visibility of the patients within the Emergency Unit, supporting clinicians to prioritise patients based on clinical need.

Patients attending the department will be asked to fill in some basic information on arrival to assist with this triaging process. These questions will request identification information, and details about their condition, removing the need for a patient to check-in with a receptionist. Once booked in patients will be called through by the triaging team to continue this initial assessment.

The process will take approximately five minutes on average, and aims to reduce time to triage in the Emergency Unit, and allowing for earlier identification of patients’ care needs.

For any patients experiencing difficulties using the new kiosks, colleagues and reception teams are still available to support.

The below video has been designed to help patients understand what they can expect upon arrival to the Emergency Unit.

The Emergency Unit continues to experience significant and sustained pressure, which can result in long waits for those patients who require care less urgently than others. The eTriage system has been designed to improve the patient experience within the department.

We would urge the public to only attend our Emergency Unit in an emergency. If a condition is urgent, but not life-threatening, please continue to phone 111 first before attending. This is also how patients access out-of-hours services and the Minor Injuries Unit at Barry Hospital.

Alternatively, you can visit the NHS 111 Wales website, by following this link, to check your symptoms and get advice and guidance on your healthcare needs.

Your Primary Care team in the community could also support. Each member of the primary care team has skills and expertise in different areas, enabling you to get the right support, from the right healthcare professional, first time.

To find your nearest Primary Care service, please visit https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/our-services/primary-care-services1