WITH pressure increasing on A&E departments across the country, people in Redditch and Bromsgrove are being asked to take full advantage of the county’s Minor Injury Unit in Bromsgrove.

The unit, which is based at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital, treats everything from cuts, grazes, and wounds, to sprains, strains, minor burns and broken bones, and waiting times are less than 20 minutes on average.

The shorter waiting time means that even for patients who have to travel from Redditch, they would still be treated and home sooner than if they went to the A&E department at the Alexandra Hospital.

Increased use of the unit would also free up capacity at A&E, allowing the staff there to deal more efficiently with emergency care and treatment.

Matt Stringer, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust’s community care lead, said: “We know that there are a significant number of people who go to A&E with a minor injury which can be treated much quicker at one of the Minor Injury Units. On average people wait around 20 minutes to be seen at an MIU and if more people with minor injuries use this service it would free up capacity at A&E so our colleagues there can support those people who do need emergency care. If you are unsure whether your injury can be treated at an MIU then you can call in advance and a member of staff will be able to advise.”

The Bromsgrove unit is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and from noon to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday. X-ray is only available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Anyone wanting to check whether they could be treated at the Bromsgrove MIU can call 01527 488058 for further information.