The minor injuries unit at Accrington Victoria is to close until next week to cover staff shortages elsewhere.
Health trust bosses say the centre will be shut for five days so staff can be redeployed as they battle a perfect storm of school holidays, high levels of sickness and impending strike action.
East Lancashire Hospitals Trust says the emergency department and urgent care centres at Royal Blackburn Hospital and Burnley General Hospital are currently experiencing ‘exceptionally high demand’ for services.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: “Despite East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust attempting to employ more doctors and nurses than ever before, we have been unable to avoid patients waiting longer before they are seen and treated. This problem comes at a time of increased circulating illness in the community, school holidays, high levels of staff sickness and impending industrial action by junior doctors.
“In order to maintain our ability to see the most critically ill patients as a priority, the Trust and Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups, have together agreed to a short term closure of the Minor Injuries Unit at Accrington Victoria Community Hospital.
“This will be effective from Wednesday, April 6 at 8am and it will reopen at 8am on Monday, April 11.
“This temporary measure means that staff from the Minor Injuries Unit at Accrington can move to support their colleagues at our Burnley and Blackburn sites.”
The Trust added that they had not taken this decision lightly, and that it may lead to some inconvenience.
Anybody who would have visited Accrington Victoria Community Hospital Minor Injuries Unit is advised to use alternative provision.
This may be from their GP or Primary Care Centre, NHS 111, the Urgent Care Centres at Burnley General Hospital and Royal Blackburn Hospital, or the Minor Injuries Unit at Rossendale Health Centre. Of course, in the event of an acute medical emergency, patients should call an ambulance or attend our Emergency Department at Blackburn.
A spokesperson added: “We would like to thank the people of Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire for their on-going support and understanding and assure them that we remain committed to the provision of safe, personal and effective care.”
