Accrington hospital closed amid junior doctors' strike
Accrington Victoria Hospital has been forced to close its doors until Monday.
Accrington Victoria Hospital has been forced to close its doors until Monday.
East Lancashire NHS Foundation Trust has issued a statement saying:
"The Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centres at Royal Blackburn Hospital and Burnley General Hospital are currently experiencing exceptionally high demand for services.
Despite East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust attempting to employ more doctors and nurses than ever before, we have been unable to avoid patients waiting longer before they are seen and treated. This problem comes at a time of increased circulating illness in the community, school holidays, high levels of staff sickness and impending industrial action by junior doctors.
"In order to maintain our ability to see the most critically ill patients as a priority, the Trust and Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups, have together agreed to a short term closure of the Minor Injuries Unit at Accrington Victoria Community Hospital (AVCH). This will be effective from Wednesday 6th April at 0800 and it will reopen at 0800 on Monday 11th April. This temporary measure means that staff from the Minor Injuries Unit at Accrington can move to support their colleagues at our Burnley and Blackburn sites.
"We have not taken this decision lightly, and we appreciate that it may lead to some inconvenience. However, we are sure that nobody would wish us to compromise patient safety, which is always our priority.
"Anybody who would have visited Accrington Victoria Community Hospital Minor Injuries Unit is advised to use alternative provision. This may be from their GP or Primary Care Centre, NHS 111, the Urgent Care Centres at Burnley General Hospital and Royal Blackburn Hospital, or the Minor Injuries Unit at Rossendale Health Centre. Of course, in the event of an acute medical emergency, patients should call an ambulance or attend our Emergency Department at Blackburn.
"We would like to thank the people of Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire for their ongoing support and understanding and assure them that we remain committed to the provision of safe, personal and effective care."