SHROPSHIRE Community Health Trust will open both Whitchurch and Oswestry Minor Injury Units (MIU) over Christmas.

The MIUs are staffed by experienced nurses and patients that attend one of the units will be assessed and treated as quickly as possible.

This may help prevent an unnecessary trip to one of the county's A&E units, which should only be used for serious and life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

The Oswestry MIU will be open as normal throughout the Christmas period, meanwhile the Whitchurch MIU is usually open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, but will be closed on Christmas day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Mandee Worrall, divisional manager of Community Hospitals and Outpatient Services, said: "MIUs can offer help with a whole range of injuries, including cuts and lacerations, bites, foreign bodies in the eyes, nose and ears, wound infections, assessment of fractures, minor head injuries and burns.

"It has been well reported that Shropshire's A&Es have been under a lot of pressure in recent days.

"If you have a problem that could be treated at one of our Minor Injury Units, then it would make sense to use these – they can look after you and get you on your way without a potentially long wait."

Bridgnorth and Ludlow MIUs will also be open over Christmas and GP surgeries and walk-in centres can also provide general medical advice and care.

Pharmacies can also offer advice on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and also advise if a doctor is needed.