PEOPLE with a minor injury are being encouraged to seek treatment at one of the county’s Minor Injury Units instead of going to A&E.

The county’s three NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, who run the county’s A&E departments, are urging the public to understand their options better and choose their health services wisely.

There are a number of alternative services available instead of A&E such as contacting their GP, visiting their local pharmacy, dialling 111 for advice or visiting isaandeforme.com.

Patients with more minor injuries such as a cut, sprain or a minor burn, which don’t require emergency treatment can also attend their local Minor Injury Units.

Dr Carl Ellson, Chief Clinical Officer for NHS South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “While the majority of patients that arrive at A&E are there for the right reasons, we would just like to remind people that there are a range of other healthcare facilities available across the county that can deal with a wide range of minor injuries and illnesses."

There are five Minor Injury Units including one in Evesham available on 01386 502388, another in Malvern, on 01684 612619, and in Tenbury, telephone number 01584 810643.

For opening times visit hacw.nhs.uk.