COUNCILLOR Ted Collins has praised a new system at Wycombe Hospital's accident and emergency department after his wife was stabbed in the eye with a branch.

He has congratulated the department, at the hospital in Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, after his wife Jean was treated within an hour.

Mrs Collins' eyeball was bleeding and she was referred to High Wycombe A&E by Marlow Cottage Hospital.

"My eldest son rang and said he would join us there, bringing refreshments for a long wait," explained Mr Collins.

"After an hour my wife had been seen by a doctor, who diagnosed no serious damage, received attention from a nurse and the ointment required for treatment at home."

Mr Collins was informed that the short wait was due to a new system in dealing with minor injuries patients.

David Griffiths, director of hospital services, said: "We are delighted that Mr Collins and his wife were so complimentary about the service they received. It is a morale boost for staff.

"We are phasing in a system which uses nurse practitioners to treat patients with minor injuries and those patients should see shorter waiting times as a result.

"However the A&E department is working under pressure and there are times when the volume of patients means there are longer waits."

Martin Leaver, South Bucks NHS Trust spokesman said: "We value all feedback from patients. It's particularly pleasing to be thanked in the way Mr Collins has done and we will make sure the relevant staff are informed."