Minor Injuries Unit remains closed as part of West Herts Hospital NHS Trust's ongoing COVID-19 response

The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at St Albans City Hospital will continue to remain closed as part of West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The MIU closed as a temporary measure on Friday, April 3.

The clinical needs of current patients remain high and the trust has redeployed a large number of staff to support patients including those needing critical care.

The trust and Herts Valleys CCG will review the MIU’s closure at the end of June.

Both organisations are also working closely together on plans for a safe resumption of some services including urgent care services.

Services need to be restarted in a safe and controlled way that takes into account social distancing requirements and the availability of an appropriately protected workforce.

Patients are advised to visit https://111.nhs.uk for advice on where to go for their symptoms.

Those needing help with minor injuries can attend the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.

The UTC is open from 8am until 10pm and can treat a wide range of non-emergency illnesses and injuries.

Patients can also call their GP practice for healthcare advice and support.

GPs can still see patients face-to-face if there is a medical reason to do so but this will be determined by telephone triage or video consultation first.

Patients who have sustained serious injuries and/or are suffering blood loss or a serious deterioration should call 999.

No one with COVID-19 symptoms should attend any medical setting unless explicitly directed by the NHS 111 service or the 999 call operator.

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