Blandford Hospital to resume minor injuries services
They've been closed since the start of the pandemic
Minor injuries care is being brought back to Blandford Hospital - for the first time since the Covid pandemic began.
The unit's being opened up two days a week, as Dorset HealthCare review services.
It'll be open Mondays and Wednesday, from 9.00am to 5.00pm, with patients asked to call NHS 111 to make an appointment.
The Minor Injuries Unit at Blandford, along with others at Portland and Sherborne were closed at the start of the pandemic, to help manage the spread of the illness and cope with staff absences.
Sherborne's centre re-opened back in April, but Portland's remains shut.
Extended opening hours at the Victoria Hospital MIU in Wimborne will also be maintained, to help relieve pressure on emergency departments in Bournemouth and Poole.
Attendances increasing
Dorset HealthCare say they're seeing big rises in the number of people going to Minor Injuries Units across the country, compared to pre-pandemic levels.
They're projecting that they'll cover 93,000 appointments this year, compared to 57,000 for the whole of 2019.
Tim Hodgetts, Dorset HealthCare’s Deputy Director for Integrated Care Services, said:
“We’re delighted to make Blandford Hospital MIU available again for two days each week. It bolsters our MIU network and offers residents greater choice if they need to seek treatment.
“In the meantime, we would continue to urge anyone needing urgent medical help or advice to call 111 in the first instance, rather than just turning up at an MIU. This is our preferred route as it will help us to assess your condition and ensure you get the right support, at the right place, as quickly as possible.
“However, walk-ins will be accepted and assessed but may be directed to a more appropriate service or asked to return to the MIU with an appointment time.”
Emma Wilson, Head of Urgent and Emergency Care at NHS Dorset, added:
“Choosing the right care when you need it could mean you are seen more quickly. If you need to think about the care you require, you almost certainly don’t need to head to an emergency department, where you may have a long wait and also be delaying someone who has a more urgent need.
“Our hospitals are really busy at the moment, so if you think your need is urgent but not a life-threatening emergency, then you could be treated more quickly by calling 111 and if you need face-to-face treatment, our network of UTCs and MIUs can provide this for you.”