Team at Lichfield's Minor Injuries Unit are here you for this winter
“We are here for you this winter. If you are worried call us or come to see us.”
Staff at the Minor Injury Unit (MIU) at Samuel Johnson Community Hospital in Lichfield have reassured the community they can be treated for a wide range of minor injuries and illnesses this winter.
The unit is open seven days a week from 8am – 9pm and can treat a wide range of minor conditions, without the need for you to visit A&E.
Conditions such as broken bones, strains, sprains, minor burns, cuts and minor illnesses can all be treated at MIUs, with patients often receiving the right treatment in a more timely manner than at other NHS services in the areas.
Sharon Smart, Senior Sister in MIU at Samuel Johnson, said: “We are one-stop shop for patients as we can X-ray, diagnose conditions and lots more – we do it all really! This means that we can keep people in the community and that’s great as we are a community hospital. That also really helps us to keep people away from A&E when they don’t necessarily need to be treated there.
“We see patients of all ages, so we have a really well rounded skillset, and patients come back to us throughout their lives and remember being treated here. It’s really nice that we’re so trusted in the local area.”
During the course of the pandemic, the unit has seen a reduction in the number of patients attending, but Sharon has encourage anyone who has a minor health concern to get themselves checked out:
“We have seen a reduction in the number of patients we’ve seen over the last few months, and I am worried to know where those people that we would usually see have gone, or if they’ve left conditions that really needed triaging.”
Ellie Hill is a Sister on the unit, and she too has encouraged patients not to leave conditions unchecked: “We act as the middle-man between the GP and A&E. People should take confidence from the fact that we see so many different types of patients. 
“We always give the people the option to come back if they need us because that’s what we’re here for.”
Lichfield has had a community hospital since the 1930s and has a rich heritage and Samuel Johnson is well establish and trusted in the local area, something Sharon says should reassure the community:
“It’s a really integral part of the community and it still is, now more than ever. This place has such a rich heritage. We have a lot of expert knowledge for quite a small team and we offer a really personal touch to the care.”
Duncan Bedford, Executive Managing Director at UHDB, said: “It is no secret that our hospitals will be busy this winter and our Minor Injuries Units can help you to be seen for a range of ailments quicker than other NHS services.
“It is really important, this year more than ever, that you can access the help and care you need to help you stay well this winter. If you have suffered a minor injury or have a minor illness, the team are here to help you and it is really important that you seek help should you need it.
“You can also contact your local GP, call NHS 111 or speak to a pharmacist for advice on non life-threatening illnesses and injuries. However, if you are suffering with symptoms of a significant health concern, please call 999 or visit one of our A&E departments in Burton or Derby.
“We have worked hard to ensure our hospitals are safe to attend by introducing social distancing rules, extra cleaning measures and the mandatory wearing of face masks. I would like to thank everyone across the Trust for their hard work and commitment during the pandemic, and to thank our patients too, for following and understanding the measures we have implemented.”