PATIENTS at the Accident and Emergency Unit at York District Hospital will get treatment more quickly thanks to the appointment of the hospital's first two emergency nurse practitioners.

Simon Etches and Linda Dunlop, both experienced A&E nurses, attended a three-month course at Sheffield University and the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield to learn new theoretical and practical skills in order to achieve the qualification. The training also included in-house training at the hospital.

The hospital hopes to increase the number of nurse practitioners in the A&E department. This would mean waiting time for patients should be cut as the nurses can assess and treat minor injuries and discharge patients without them having to see a doctor.

Simon, who has worked as an A&E nurse for 14 years and who has just started in his new role, said: "We hope to offer more patient choice and make some sort of impact at busy times."

Linda has worked in A&E for about 10 years and is due to start her new role next month when she returns from maternity leave.

Dave Ashton, directorate manager of the A&E department, said: "Both Linda and Simon have invested a huge amount of their own time in developing the nurse practitioner role."