THE Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) in Minehead Community Hospital is being renamed to bring it in line with others across the country.

From Monday (April 1), it will become known as an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC).

Six Somerset Minor Injuries Units, which are all run by the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, are being similarly renamed.

UTCs will provide exactly the same service as did MIUs, and from the same team of specialist nurses, paramedics, and healthcare assistants.

Somerset’s UTCs run seven days a week, from 8 am to 9 pm, with the last patient being admitted at 8.30 pm.

The other five community hospitals with UTCs are in Bridgwater, Chard, Frome, Shepton Mallet, and Glastonbury.

The trust’s consultant nurse for community urgent care services, Mike Paynter, said: “Although we are changing the name to Urgent Treatment Centres, there will be absolutely no difference for patients, except you may see different signage.

“Our team of emergency practitioners, who are clinicians with specialised training and skills in urgent care, will still be here to provide care and treatment if you have a non-life-threatening injury or illness, and want to be seen quickly, usually in under two hours.

“You do not need an appointment to attend, although we would recommend contacting NHS 111 first to ensure the Urgent Treatment Centre is the right place for your problem, and there is even free parking.

“With the Easter weekend and May Bank Holidays fast approaching, it is even more important to know what NHS services are available, so we recommend either calling NHS 111 or going to the NHS Somerset website for more information, https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/which-nhs-service.”

Common examples of issues whuch UTCs can treat include: sprains and strains, broken bones, cuts and wounds, bites, minor head injuries, chest, throat, eye, and urinary infections, and emergency contraception.

Mr Paynter said: “If you are not sure which service you need, we would strongly encourage you to contact the 24/7 free NHS 111 telephone health advice line.

“For life-threatening emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, unconsciousness, and breathing problems call 999, please do not attend an Urgent Treatment Centre.”