New A&E has now treated more than 2,000 patients

The department is now 60% bigger after the expansion

A new hospital emergency department has treated more than 2,000 patients since it opened.

Although it was officially unveiled in July, the first patients moved into the £33.5m department at Swindon's Great Western Hospital (GWH) at in September after some "remedial works" were undertaken.

Funding from the government and the hospital trust was combined to make it the biggest-ever investment in the GWH.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wiltshire, Dr Bushra Sohail said: "People have been really pleased, you can see that in their faces when they turn up!"

"We're really excited to start in a new place," she added.

"It's been a really positive experience from all the patient and staff feedback we've had so far."

The department is now 60% bigger and has an increase in "majors cubicles" from 12 to 16, which are more private with glass doors instead of curtains.

Great Western Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust said the new facilities will help reduce waiting times and improve patient experience.

All ambulances are now handing over patients to the new department and walk-in patients being triaged to A&E through an urgent treatment centre.

There are also more resuscitation cubicles and one new bay dedicated to children.

There is also a secluded room for patients experiencing a mental health crisis, a more comfortable observation area and two supportive relatives’ rooms set away from the main department.

Local people are being encouraged to continue to use healthcare services "wisely", calling NHS 111 in the first instance, visiting a GP or pharmacist and only coming to hospital for serious or life-threatening conditions, the hospital trust said.