A MINOR injuries unit is to reopen at a Dorset hospital in the latest phase of reviewing urgent care provision across the county.

Dorset HealthCare has re-opened the Blandford Hospital Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) for two days a week.

Additionally, to help relieve pressure on emergency departments in Poole and Bournemouth, extended opening hours at the Victoria Hospital MIU in Wimborne will be maintained.

Dorset HealthCare was forced to close its MIUs at Blandford, Portland and Sherborne hospitals during the pandemic, to help manage the spread of Covid-19 and cope with staff absences. Wimborne opening times were increased, to help compensate.

As restrictions began to ease, Sherborne’s Yeatman Hospital MIU was re-opened five days a week, and now the Blandford unit will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9am-5pm (call 111 to make an appointment).

Despite the partial closure of Dorset’s MIU network, attendances at available units have markedly increased compared to pre-pandemic levels – with almost 93,000 appointments projected for this year compared with just under 57,000 for the whole of 2019.

Emma Wilson, head of Urgent and Emergency Care at NHS Dorset, said: “Our hospitals are really busy at the moment, so if you think your need is urgent but not a life-threatening emergency, then you could be treated more quickly by calling 111 and if you need face-to-face treatment, our network of UTCs and MIUs can provide this for you.”

Visit dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/miu for more information.