Temporary winter closure for Ross and Leominster Minor Injury Units

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Tuesday, 15 October 2019 21:54

The Minor Injury Units at Ross and Leominster community hospitals are to close temporarily during the winter to help Wye Valley NHS Trust provide safe services to seriously ill patients needing urgent care at Hereford County Hospital.

This mirrors last year’s decision and has been made as part of a planned strategy to help the Trust cope with winter pressures.

The temporary MIU closures will allow hospital bosses to redeploy experienced emergency nurse practitioners to provide enhanced support where it is clinically most needed – caring for seriously sick patients needing urgent care at Hereford County Hospital.

“These extra staff will make a real difference,” said Jon Barnes, Chief operating officer at the Trust.

The Emergency Department regularly sees more than 200 patients a day. During the last 12 months the Trust has seen 60,560 patients in the Emergency Department – an increase of 5,000 compared to 12 months ago.

The Trust’s main concern is the safety of patients with acute and emergency conditions ensuring that they are assessed, diagnosed and treated rapidly

“We have a duty to provide safe and timely care to our patients - this decision will help us achieve that,” added Jon.

The Minor Injury Units will close for the winter period from Monday, November 4. All other services at Ross and Leominster community hospitals will continue as normal.

The Trust is reminding people that they should ring NHS 111, contact their GP practice or visit a local pharmacy for advice relating to minor injuries or ailments.