West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed the confirmation that Tenbury Community Hospital is now fully re-opened including the highly-valued minor injuries unit.

The unit had to be closed with the onset of coronavirus but it is now treating patients as the community prepares for the onset of winter and the additional pressures that will be put on the NHS alongside the challenges of coping with Covid-19.

People with a minor injury such as a small cut or burn, sprain, strain or suspected fracture can attend local minor injuries units including those at Tenbury or Malvern, to get help quickly, and prevent long delays at the main accident and emergency unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

But patients are now advised to ring NHS 111 first to get expert help and if required, they can book a slot to visit the unit in a Covid-secure way.

Walk-in patients are still possible, but numbers are limited in waiting areas and face coverings will be required at all times.

Harriett said: “I am pleased to hear that the Tenbury Community Hospital is now fully open. I’ve worked hard to protect the town’s minor injuries unit and welcome the fact that it is re-opening.

“The best advice is that you should ring 111 but often you can get minor treatment or an X-ray much quicker at a community hospital.

“Minor injuries units are playing an increasingly important role as we try to take the pressure off the Accident and Emergency facility at our main county hospital and you can often get seen much quicker by choosing to use community hospitals like the one in Tenbury.

“Our wider health system is gradually opening up in a covid-safe way with GPs now doing more face to face work and our minor injuries units treating people quickly and effectively.

“We must all do our bit to help protect the NHS as winter approaches and I know Tenbury Community Hospital will now be able to fully play its part serving the town and its surrounding villages.”