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Changes for minor injuries at Stafford's County Hospital during coronavirus outbreak

Changes will be made at Stafford's County Hospital for patients with minor injuries, as hospital bosses bring in new measures during the coronavirus outbreak.

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Stafford County Hospital

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM), which runs County Hospital, is taking a range of measures to ensure that its hospitals, staff and patients remain safe.

The trust, which also runs the Royal Stoke University Hospital, has robust emergency planning procedures in place – and certain elements on the plans to respond to coronavirus are being enacted to ensure NHS resources are directed where they are needed.

Steps have been taken to ensure UHNM can prioritise the sickest patients – as well as protecting staff and emergency services.

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Minor injuries at County Hospital will now be seen at the fracture clinic between the hours of 9am and 6pm. The service will be run by orthopaedic surgeons and emergency nurse practitioners. Outside of those hours, patients may be asked to return the following day during the designated hours.

County Hospital will continue to operate as normal for major injury and illness.

Elsewhere, from 8am on Monday, the emergency department at the Royal Stoke University Hospital will no longer treat minor injuries in adults or children, in order to free up vital resources. During this time the walk-in centre at Burslem's Haywood Hospital will be able to provide the essential services to the community between 7am and 9.30pm every day. Orthopaedic surgeons and emergency nurse practitioners from Royal Stoke will join the walk-in centre team to provide the enhanced service.

All other emergency services at Royal Stoke, including the major trauma service and the children’s emergency department, will continue as normal for major injury and illness.

Specialist

Patients in Staffordshire who have an eye emergency problem are also being asked not to attend hospital straight away, and instead call 01782 674300 and speak to a specialist. The Emergency Eye Clinic will be available on that number Monday to Friday between 9am and 7pm, Saturday between 9am and 2pm, and Sunday between 9am and 12pm noon.

Dr Ann-Marie Morris, UHNM's clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “We are asking the public to consider if they are in need of emergency care and to make an informed choice on attendance.

"Patients who attend Royal Stoke with a minor injury will be re-directed to Haywood Hospital’s walk-in centre and those attending with minor injuries at County Hospital will be directed to the fracture clinic.

“These changes are vital so that we can focus on prioritising care to our sickest patients while also keeping patients safe and free from risk while in the emergency departments.

“I would appeal to local communities to follow the national advice to stay at home and if you have a high temperature or a new cough, do not come to hospital. If you feel your symptoms are getting worse call your GP or use the online 111 service.”

Jennie Collier, managing director of Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, which includes Haywood Hospital, added: “In such unprecedented times for the NHS, it’s critical that we work together to maintain the safety of patients, the public and our staff.

“Haywood Hospital’s walk-in centre can treat a wide range of minor conditions and injuries.

"I would reinforce national guidance in relation to social distancing should you attend the walk-in centre and not to come to hospital if you or someone who live with is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus.”

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