Sheffield minor injuries unit to close to allow staff to focus on coronavirus cases

From 8pm tomorrow (April 9) patients who have minor illness or injuries such as cuts, abrasions or wounds will still be able to get the care they need but it will be from Broad Lane Walk In Centre in the city.

If the injury is a suspected broken bone then the patient should go to the Northern General A&E.

Dr David Hughes, Medical Director, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Since the COVID-19 outbreak and social distancing restrictions, we have seen a huge drop in the numbers of people using the MIU and on some days there have been hardly any patients attending.

“This is at the same time as our hospitals are seeing increasing numbers of patients with the virus.

“We have not taken this decision lightly but given our increasing need for experienced nurse practitioners in the main hospitals it makes sense to temporarily close the unit so that the staff can support other areas of the hospital where demand is higher.

“Broad Lane Walk In Centre is more than able to provide the additional care for the majority of people who would normally have gone to the Minor Injuries Unit.”

The MIU at the Royal Hallamshire will reopen once the outbreak is over.

Broad Lane Walk In Centre is open from 8am to 10pm 365 days a year. No appointment is needed.