PATIENTS are being encouraged to use the minor injuries unit at Stroud General Hospital in certain situations rather than the emergency department.
The MIU is led by emergency nurse practitioners who can treat a variety of injuries and illnesses such as sprains, simple fractures, minor head injuries, minor wounds and burns, and skin irritations.
Susan Field, director of adult services at Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust, said: “Minor injuries units give people the option of urgent healthcare close to home.
"As well as avoiding travel time to reach general hospitals in Gloucester and Cheltenham, there is often a shorter waiting time.
"Going to a MIU instead of an emergency department for minor injuries and illnesses allows staff at the larger hospitals to focus on patients with more serious and life threatening conditions.”
Carol Grimsdale, ,matron at Stroud General Hospital, said: “Our MIU team at Stroud Hospital treat both adults and children and we want to spread the message that urgent care is available locally for minor injuries and illnesses."
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