A new unit is expected to open today at Worcestershire Royal Hospital helping staff to cope better with extra winter pressures. And West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin was given a tour of the new facility ahead of the unit’s opening and chatted to staff and patients. The Ambulatory Emergency Care unit has been created with £920,000 of extra Government funding to help the hospital create extra capacity. The work has been carried out ahead of the anticipated winter spike when more people visit hospital for urgent care. The new unit will create extra space, reducing the need for patients to wait in corridors for care or while they wait to be discharged. Harriett commented: “The Government recognises that most hospitals face extra pressures during the winter time and with an increasingly aging population, more and more people are in need of care as a result of falls or illness during colder weather. “I supported the bid for nearly £1 million of extra funding and it is helpful to see how this money is being spent to add capacity. “Having chatted both to staff and patients, I am keen to report that people are feeling much more positive about the local NHS and there is a strong feeling of optimism. “It is essential that we share the message that patients should really only visit Accident and Emergency when urgent care is needed and to use GPs or Minor Injuries Units to get treatment whenever possible. “This extra space is great but when injury or illness strikes, we all need to do a little more to make the right choices this winter and help make A&E less busy for all.”