Reduced minor injuries service during bank holiday Monday strike action

Dorset’s network of minor injuries units (MIUs) will be operating a reduced service during Monday’s (1 May) industrial action by the Royal College of Nursing.

MIUs at Wimborne and Shaftesbury, alongside the urgent treatment centre (UTC) in Weymouth, will be open as usual.

However, due to lack of staff, Dorset HealthCare will not be able to provide services at Bridport, Sherborne and Swanage MIUs on the day.

As usual, anyone needing urgent medical treatment or advice is urged to call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk first for an initial assessment. If face-to-face care is required, 111 staff can book an appointment at one of the two MIUs or the UTC.

Jane Elson, Dorset HealthCare’s Service Director for Integrated Community Services, said:

“While many staff are planning to go on strike as part of the RCN industrial action, we have put in place arrangements to maintain in-person urgent care services at three locations around Dorset.

“However, we would ask people to contact 111 in the first instance if they need urgent medical help. Often people can be supported over the phone or online, and this will help us manage the pressures on our available MIUs and also local Emergency Departments.”

MIU/UTC opening times on 1 May will be:

• Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury – 10am-4pm
• Victoria Hospital, Wimborne – 8am-8pm
• UTC, Weymouth Hospital – 8am-8pm.

Anyone needing urgent help for a life-threatening illness or injury should call 999 as usual.