People will be able to have their sprains, strains, cuts and burns treated at a revamped Minor Injuries Unit at Sevenoaks Hospital when it opened its doors a few weeks ago. The MIU in Hospital Road was officially opened by Ian Philip, Chairman of the Sevenoaks Hospital League of Friends.
NHS West Kent has given the unit a facelift, which involved adding a new front to the building, a new waiting area and treatment rooms. The significantly improved and modernised MIU will see its first patients from March.
Rachel Nicholls, Modern Matron at Sevenoaks MIU, said: “We’re really looking forward to inviting our first patients through the doors. The improvements at the MIU will be a real boost for people in and around Sevenoaks. The area is now more inviting for patients, and we hope it encourages more people to use the service for their minor injuries.”
Ian Daccus, Head of Estates and Facilities at NHS West Kent, said: “Sevenoaks MIU has been significantly improved and updated, and patients will benefit from being treated in a modern environment designed to the latest standards. The scheme included adding a new entrance to the building to improve disabled access, and the treatment rooms are bright and appropriately equipped.”
The League of Friends helped to kit out the MIU with equipment including stethoscopes, dressing trolleys and an eye examination chart. Mr Philip said: “The League of Friends is delighted with this latest phase of the improvements to our local hospital and we have committed £10,000 of our funds towards the provision of additional equipment in the department to mark its opening. I am sure that the residents of Sevenoaks and, indeed, the wider area will really appreciate this excellent new facility.”
MIUs are for injuries that need attention, but which are not life threatening, such as fractures, cuts, sprains and strains, animal bites or stings and minor burns. Patients are treated by highly specialised nurse practitioners and emergency nurse practitioners.
Mrs Nicholls added: “Unless your injury is serious or life threatening, your local MIU is the best place to go to have your condition treated. You don’t need to make an appointment, you’ll have shorter waiting times than you would at A&E and you’ll get high quality care. You’ll also help keep emergency departments available for people who urgently need them.”
The MIU at Sevenoaks Hospital is open 8am to 8pm everyday, 365 days a year.
The X-ray facility is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
To contact the MIU call 01732 470200. |
