BROMSGROVE residents are being urged to visit their minor injury unit for non-life-threatening conditions to relieve pressure on nearby A&Es.

Patients with minor injuries from slips, trips and falls on the ice such as bumps, bruises and sprains are being treated at the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Bromsgrove's Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Stourbridge Road.

The MIU is run by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and the current average waiting time is less than 20 minutes. It is likely the total time spent in a visit - including travel - will be less than that spent at A&E.

Dawn Shaw, Minor Injuries Team Lead at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital said:

“We are seeing an increase in patients attending after slipping on the ice mainly wrist and ankle injuries.

“We have treated patients with hot water bottle burns so extra care needs to be taken if you use them. Do not put them directly on skin, always make sure they are done up tightly, and only use hot water from the tap not from a boiling kettle.

“Patients who have slipped and suffer from hip, neck or back pain should call an ambulance immediately and stay warm and comfortable but should not move until emergency help arrives. If required they will be taken to A&E for further assessment.”

Patients with a wide range of minor injuries including cuts, grazes, wounds, sprains, strains and minor burns can also be treated at the unit.

MIUs do not treat medical conditions such as colds, coughs, urine, chest or ear infections. Anyone who has these conditions is asked to contact a local pharmacy, their GP or ring 111.

For more information visit hacw.nhs.uk/our-services/minor-injuries-units.