SHROPSHIRE residents are being urged to 'choose well' this Easter by taking their minor injuries and illnesses to one of the counties four Minor Injury Units (MIUs) instead of queuing at busy A&E departments.

The four MIUs, which are based at Oswestry, Whitchurch, Ludlow and Bridgnorth, are staffed by experienced Emergency Nurse/Paramedic Practitioners and offer a walk-in service so there is no need to make an appointment.

The units can treat a wide range of problems including:

•Bites, human and animal

•Cuts and lacerations

•Foreign bodies in the eyes, nose and ears

•Suspected fractures that require plaster only

•Minor burns and scalds

•Minor head injuries (with no loss of consciousness)

•Soft tissue injuries, for example sprains and bruises

•Wound infections

Katie Turton, locality clinical manager for the South West said: ‘We really would urge people with non-emergencies to visit their local minor injury unit and avoid going to the accident and emergency department.

“Our units are well equipped with everything we need to treat people with illness and injuries such as broken bones, wounds and or burns, animal bites, sprains and strains.

"By coming to us, patients may not have to wait so long to be seen, and they will also be helping to keep main hospital A&E departments free for those with the most serious or life-threatening conditions.

“If it’s not an emergency and you’re still unsure, the best thing to do is to call 111 who can offer advice on the best place to go to for treatment.”