The newly refurbished Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Andover War Memorial Hospital (AWMH) has been officially opened by Rt Hon Kit Malthouse, MP for North West Hampshire, who cut a ribbon alongside Hampshire Hospitals’ chief executive, Alex Whitfield.
The upgraded MIU moved location at the hospital so that it is co-located with a £10million state-of-the-art Andover Community Diagnostic Centre (ACDC) which opened last year. The ACDC provides a one-stop service for a wide range of diagnostic tests including X-rays and ultrasounds, it has streamlined the diagnostic process, enabling faster diagnoses and reducing waiting times.
The Minor Injuries Unit provides a range of treatment for conditions including fractures, sprains, cuts, minor burns, and other non-life-threatening injuries. Patients should book an appointment via the 111 system, although a drop-in service is available from 0815 until 1600, Monday to Friday.
The unit plays a valuable role easing pressures on acute services; however, patients requiring treatment for more serious injuries or life-threatening conditions – such as strokes or heart attacks – should attend an Emergency Department. Similarly, children under two also need to be seen at Emergency Departments.
The design of the Minor Injuries Unit has been clinically-led with operational senior manager, Jacky Dascombe; ED matron, Reg Yeomans; and ED consultant Kamal providing valuable input to ensure the new facilities enable staff to see and treat patients effectively and efficiently.
Speaking at the opening, Rt Hon Kit Malthouse, MP said: “Andover War Memorial Hospital’s MIU is an extremely valuable local healthcare facility supporting the treatment of minor injuries, alleviating pressure on acute services, and giving local residents efficient access to medical support.”
Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals said: “Andover War Memorial Hospital is much loved by residents, patients and staff. It is a very special place, and we have been striving to invest in the facilities and the technologies we use so we can provide the very best in modern care here in Andover.
“I am delighted to celebrate the official opening of the Minor Injury Unit; it represents a step forward in local healthcare and shows the benefits of infrastructure designed in collaboration with clinicians. Our team here are amazing and have designed something that really works for patients and staff.”
“Through the creation of a dedicated diagnostic centre we have established a screening centre providing thousands of patients with more efficient access to state-of-the-art imaging technology that gives clinicians a crucial view of a patient’s condition.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony took place under a balloon arch created by ED matron, Reg Yeomans!
