New Assessment Zone helps patients receive faster care
Today (8 July 2026), Gloucestershire Hospitals has officially opened a new Medical Assessment Zone (MAZ) to help assess and triage patients more quickly, reducing waiting times and helping people receive the right care first time.
By creating a dedicated space outside of the Emergency Department, we can reduce waiting times and help patients receive the right care in the right place, more quickly.
Dr Andiran Anduvan, Acute Medicine Consultant
Located on the ground floor of the Trauma Unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, opposite the Emergency Department, the new zone has 10 trolley spaces and three assessment/side rooms. The dedicated space is designed specifically for patients requiring assessment by acute teams, helping ensure they receive the most appropriate care.
By providing an additional area for assessment outside of A&E, the Medical Assessment Zone creates more capacity across urgent and emergency care services, helping patients access treatment more quickly.
The project has been delivered in a short space of time thanks to the commitment and collaboration of colleagues from across the Trust. Nursing, medical and operational teams have worked together to transform the space and establish new ways of working, all focused on delivering the best possible experience for patients. Importantly, the development has been carefully planned using data modelling to determine the capacity needed to support the Trust’s growing medical demand.
Dr Andiran Anduvan, Acute Medicine Consultant, said: "We are proud to establish the Medical Assessment Zone, which will help us provide more timely and appropriate care for patients who need medical assessment. By creating a dedicated space outside of the Emergency Department, we can reduce waiting times and help patients receive the right care in the right place, more quickly. This has been a fantastic team effort and my thanks go to everyone who got behind the project."
Professor Mark Pietroni, Director for Safety and Medical Director, added: "The opening of the Medical Assessment Zone is an excellent example of what can be achieved when teams work together with a clear focus on improving patient care. This has been delivered relatively quickly and without additional funding, thanks to the dedication and innovation of colleagues across the Trust. The new zone will help us assess patients more efficiently and ensure they are directed to the most appropriate care setting from the outset."
The opening of the Medical Assessment Zone is an important step in the Trust’s ongoing work to reduce delays, make better use of hospital capacity and help ensure patients receive the care they need more quickly.
Any patient assessed in the Medical Assessment Zone will be referred directly by the Emergency Department or their GP. In an emergency, patients should continue to attend A&E.