DEPUTY Health Minister Gwenda Thomas has praised the £6 million overhaul of Morriston Hospital's A&E department.
The Neath AM said it should reduce waiting times and provide better care and treatment for patients.
The amount of space available to treat those who are critically ill or injured has now almost doubled.
The department treats more than 6,000 patients each month, and two automated medication dispensing units funded by the Welsh Government will be installed.
Trolley capacity has been increased, and there are now separate waiting and treatment rooms for children, so they can be cared for in a more comfortable environment.
A new five-bed section, with a separate minor surgery room and waiting area, has been created for the treatment of children.
This has led to extra space in the major injury section, increasing the number of beds for adults from nine to 15.
The department has also been extended to include a dedicated triage area for ambulance patients.
It is used by a service called React, or Rapid Evaluation, Assessment and Commencement of Treatment, run by a clinical team dedicated to assessing and treating ambulance patients.
Patients who haven't arrived by ambulance will be assessed and prioritised by nurses as normal.
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board says having two triage services will help to reduce delays and enable patients to be seen more quickly. Meanwhile, the waiting area, reception desk and entrances to the department have been refurbished, and CCTV installed which can be activated to record any violent or aggressive behaviour towards staff.
Mrs Thomas said: "All these developments are marvellous news, and will improve patient care.
"I am very pleased to see there are now separate waiting and treatment areas for children, which will hopefully reduce their apprehension and make treatment a more comfortable experience.
"The increase in the number of adult beds and the new ambulance triage area is also most welcome. All these new developments will hopefully reduce the waiting times, and provide better care and treatment."
ABMU says people with minor illnesses or injuries should go to the minor injuries department at Neath Port Talbot or Singleton hospitals.
