HEALTH chiefs at University Hospital Coventry say the accident and emergency is now closed to minor injuries.
Only patients with life-threatening conditions should go to UHCW Accident and Emergency. Children should still go to UHCW.
Adults with minor illnesses or injuries should go to the Stoney Stanton Road walk-in centre (CV1 4FS).
In a statement, UHCW NHS Trust said: “The Emergency Department at University Hospital Coventry will no longer treat minor injuries or illness in adults (aged 16 and over) in order to free up vital resources in the fight against COVID-19.
“During this time Coventry Urgent Treatment Centre will provide essential services to the local community.
“The Coventry Urgent Treatment Centre, in Stoney Stanton Road is available for minor illness and injuries (no x-ray facilities on site) from 8am to 10pm daily.
“All other emergency services at University Hospital, including the Children’s Emergency Department (ages 0 to 15), will be operating as normal.”
“Patients who would normally use George Eliot Hospital or Warwick Hospital should continue to do so.”
Professor Kiran Patel, Chief Medical Officer for UHCW NHS Trust said: “Our Emergency Department in Coventry has an important role to play in the coming weeks and months for the people of Coventry and Warwickshire and we must protect the most vulnerable.
“We encourage members of the public who have minor injuries or illness to use these alternative services online and in the community. Our Urgent Treatment Centres are managed by our Emergency Department and are therefore continually supported by senior clinical support as and when it is needed.”
Patients who have an eye emergency are also being asked not to attend hospital straight away and instead call a specialised telephone number:
· 02476 964800 or 02476 964802 or 02476 964806 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
· 02476 966626 (Saturday 9am to midday)
Patients will be able to speak to an expert clinician who will offer advice on the next steps to take.
Anyone who needs advice out of hours should telephone NHS 111 in the first instance for support and guidance.
