Health Secretary visits new assessment unit at Northampton General Hospital

And the minister said he hopes other hospitals copy the Nye Bevan Unit's successful model, which aims to eliminate unnecessary A&E visits.

Mr Hancock said: "The new unit has made a big impact on A&E. It means people can get into a hospital bed, if they need it, faster than before.

"I'd like to replicate this elsewhere in the country."

During his brief visit, Mr Hancock did a quick Q and A session with staff, who he said brought up issues about investment in the NGH site. He also heard about a scheme that rewards employees for coming up with ideas to improve the way they work.

Northampton North MP Michael Ellis said: "The staff showed how much they loved the new unit, both as a place to work and also in the way it aids patients' recovery."