Minor injuries unit at Sheffield hospital is set to reopen after a drop in Covid-19 cases

The Unit temporarily closed in early April 2020 because, due to lockdown, very few people were using it and so the staff were redeployed to support the main A&E and hospitals dealing with the surge in Covid-19 patients.

With the drop in COVID-19 cases, the Minor Injuries Unit will return to its normal opening hours (8am-8pm, 365 days a year) on June 7 and provide care for patients with minor injuries including broken bones, burns, and cuts. No appointment is necessary but social distancing will be in place and patients are asked to wear a mask and gel their hands.

The Minor Injuries Unit does not provide care for patients with minor illnesses, chronic health conditions or if the injury requires a 999 ambulance.

For minor illnesses and injuries there are a range of other services in the City which provide care or advice.

The NHS Walk-In Centre on Broad Lane open from 8am to 10pm, 365 days, for minor illnesses.

Local pharmacies for confidential, expert advice and treatment for most common illnesses and injuries. Many Sheffield pharmacies are open evenings, weekends and bank holidays – no appointment needed.

Most GPs offer extended opening hours and additional appointments. For details visit https://sheffieldurgentcare.co.uk/gp-practices.html.

Six GP Hubs across Sheffield offer evening (6-10pm) and weekend healthcare services for urgent and routine needs, open 365 days a year. Book appointments through your usual GP practice or by calling 111.

Anyone who is in doubt about which urgent care service they need to use should call NHS 111, or visit NHS 111 online first.

Michael Harper, Chief Operating Officer at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to be reopening the Minor Injuries Unit now that the number of COVID-19 cases has significantly reduced. By using the Minor Injuries Unit and other services in the City like GPs, Broad Lane Walk in Centre and local pharmacists it leaves A&E to care for the emergency patients. I would encourage everyone to call 111 or visit our Sheffield Urgent Care Services website at https://sheffieldurgentcare.co.uk/index.html if they have an illness or injury because they have all the information to ensure people get the appropriate care as quickly as possible.”

Anyone visiting the Minor Injuries Unit, or any other healthcare service should:

Not attend if you have any symptoms of Covid-19

Wear a mask at all times while in the building

Wash hands on entry and exit from the Unit

Not move around different areas of Unit unless absolutely necessary

Come alone unless you need assistance.