PEOPLE who sustain minor injuries this Christmas will be able to access one of four minor injury units (MIUs) run by Shropshire Community Health.

The Trust runs MIUs in Oswestry, Whitchurch, Bridgnorth and Ludlow.

MIUs are staffed by experienced nurses and patients that attend one of the units will be assessed and treated as quickly as possible.

This may help prevent an unnecessary trip to one of the county’s A&E units, which should only be used for serious and life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

The MIUs at Oswestry, Bridgnorth and Ludlow are open as normal during the Christmas period.

There will be some changes to hours in Whitchurch, where the MIU will closed from 9am-5pm on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, as well as December 29-30 and New Year's Day.

Andy Matthews, divisional manager of community hospitals and outpatient services, said: “MIUs can offer help with a whole range of injuries, including cuts and lacerations, bites, foreign bodies in the eyes, nose and ears, wound infections, assessment of fractures, minor head injuries and burns.”

People in mid Wales can find MIUs in Welshpool and Newtown. They may treat patients quicker than A&E for minor injuries.

Pharmacies can also offer advice on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor.

GP surgeries and walk-in centres can also provide general medical advice and care.

For details about MIUs in Shropshire, including full opening hours, visit the Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust website at: www.shropscommunityhealth.nhs.uk/miu