THE Minor Injury Unit (MIU) in Bromsgrove is open this bank holiday to provide urgent care for anyone with a minor injury.

The unit, based at Princess of Wales Community Hospital, is open every day, including bank holidays, to treat minor injuries which do not require emergency treatment from an A&E department.

Staffed by Emergency Nurse Practitioners, the units offer advice and treatment for a variety of injuries including cuts, grazes, wounds, sprains, strains and minor burns.

Phil Shakeshaft, Matron for Minor Injury Units run by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care said: “It is much more appropriate to use a minor injury unit than attend A&E if you have a minor injury this bank holiday.”

“Our highly skilled staff can provide timely advice and treatment for a variety of different minor injuries requiring urgent care, and can be easily accessed by contacting NHS111”.

Patients are advised to contact NHS111 prior to attending a hospital or unit for treatment.

An advisor will then discuss the injury with the patient in order to identify the most appropriate course of treatment.

This might include an appointment at the minor injury unit or x-ray department, or a local pharmacy, GP, self-care or A&E.

The new system has helped to reduce waiting times for patients, by enabling them to attend for a booked appointment rather than waiting to be seen as a walk-in.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, who run four of the counties MIUs treated over 16,000 patients with minor injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic.