Walsgrave hospital stops minor injury and illness treatment

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It comes as the hospital looks to tackle the growing coronavirus pandemic



Coventry's hospital is to stop treating patients for minor injuries and illnesses as it ramps up its efforts to combat coronavirus.

University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) has announced the emergency department will no longer be treating minor cases of injury or illness in adults aged 16 or over.

The decision, which was announced today (Wednesday, March 25) has been made to free up capacity and resources in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

Members of the public who are suffering from minor injuries and illnesses at this time are being asked to instead visit the Coventry Urgent Treatment Centre or the Rugby Urgent Treatment Centre.

The hospital has urged the public to consider if they actually need to use hospital facilities, and to make an informed decision whether or not they should attend.

All other emergency services at University Hospital, including the Children’s Emergency Department (ages 0 to 15), will be operating as normal.

Patients who normally use the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton or Warwick Hospital should continue to do so.

Professor Kiran Patel, Chief Medical Officer for UHCW NHS Trust, said: “Our Emergency Department in Coventry has an important role to play in the coming weeks and months for the people of Coventry and Warwickshire and we must protect the most vulnerable.

“We encourage members of the public who have minor injuries or illness to use these alternative services online and in the community. Our Urgent Treatment Centres are managed by our Emergency Department and are therefore continually supported by senior clinical support as and when it is needed.”

Patients who have an eye emergency are also being asked not to attend hospital straight away and instead call a specialised telephone number:

02476 964800 or 02476 964802 or 02476 964806 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
02476 966626 (Saturday 9am to midday)

Patients will be able to speak to an expert clinician who will offer advice on the next steps to take.

Rugby Urgent Treatment Centre, based at the Hospital of St Cross in Barby Road (CV22 5PX), is available 24/7 for minor injuries and illnesses and the Coventry Urgent Treatment Centre, in Stoney Stanton Road (CV1 4FS), is available for minor illness and injuries (no x-ray facilities on site) from 8am to 10pm daily.

Anyone who needs advice out of hours should telephone NHS 111 in the first instance for support and guidance.