28/11/2014

Minor Injuries Unit To Remain Open

A Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) in Bangor is to remain open, it has been announced.

Health Minister Jim Wells confirmed the news earlier today (28 November).

Last month, the facility was one of three MIUs earmarked for closure due to increasing cuts being placed on the health budget. However, Minister Wells has now said the unit will stay open to relieve the pressure on hospital emergency departments.

MIUs treat injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken bones, burns, bites, wounds, minor head injuries and other less serious ailments.

In a statement, the minister said he was "mindful that the winter months place greater demands on our Emergency Departments and acute hospitals."

He continued: "A significant amount of work has taken place regionally to strengthen performance at our Emergency Departments, and I wish to avoid where possible adding to the numbers coming through the front door of these Emergency Departments.

"I have asked the South Eastern Trust to ensure the Minor Injuries Unit at Bangor Hospital remains open. This will lessen the numbers attending other units including the busy Ulster Hospital Emergency Department.

"Bangor Minor Injuries Unit deals with about 10,000 attendances annually and its closure would have offered up only minimal financial savings."

(JP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

26 March 2024
Health And Social Care Easter Arrangements Outlined
The Department of Health has announced arrangements for health and social care services over the Easter holiday period, encouraging everyone to look after themselves, both physically and mentally.
04 April 2023
Health And Social Care Services During Easter Holidays
The Department of Health (DoH) has announced the availability of health and social care services, and how to access them, during the Easter holidays. Over the holidays, if you or some of your family members feel unwell, it is important, to choose the service most appropriate to your symptoms, so you can get better quicker.
12 December 2022
Christmas Health Service Arrangements Announced
The Department of Health has announced the arrangements for the Health and Social Care system including the five Health and Social Care Trusts, GPs, Pharmacists and Dentists for the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
12 April 2016
Woman Injured After Refrigeration Unit Explodes In College In L'Derry
A woman has suffered minor injuries after a refrigeration unit exploded at a college in L'Derry. The incident happened in the Tower Building of the North West Regional College shortly after 8:40am today, 12 April. The unit blew up in the first floor canteen of the building.
23 November 2012
Woman In Serious Condition After Collision With A School Bus
A woman is in a very serious condition in hospital following a crash involving a mini-bus and two cars in Desertmartin. The woman was the driver of one of the vehicles. A number of children on the mini-bus suffered minor injuries and the bus driver is receiving treatment at the scene. The Roshure Road has been closed.