RESIDENTS are being reminded to make sure they choose the best-placed healthcare option for them this Easter bank holiday weekends.
For cuts, grazes, wounds, sprains, minor eye injuries and minor burns, people can attend their local Minor Injuries Units (MIUs).
Unfortunately, the units cannot treat illnesses.
People needing treatment are advised to contact NHS111 either via the website – 111.nhs.uk – or by calling 111.
Trained advisers will assess symptoms and then recommend the most suitable course of action which could include a visit to an MIU.
Alternatively, people can walk into their local MIU which are open during usual opening hours over bank holiday weekends.
In North Worcestershire, Kidderminster Hospital’s MIU opens between 8am and 10pm and the MIU at Bromsgrove’s Princess of Wales Community Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm everyday (last admission at 7.30pm).
Other Worcestershire MIUs include Evesham, Tenbury Wells and Malvern.
Patients often get seen quicker at MIUs than they would at A&E.
Accident and Emergency departments – like those at the Alexandra Hospital and Worcestershire Royal – should only be used in absolute emergencies.
Pharmacy times
Local pharmacists can also give expert confidential advice, as well as medicines for a range of minor ailments.
No appointment is necessary, people should just check which branches are open before travelling.
The pharmacy at Boots, Weavers Wharf, Kidderminster, is open from 10.30am to 4.30pm and the Tesco superstore, Castle Road, from 10am to 4pm.
