Watford hospital not treating minor injuries for a further 24 hours

Watford hospital have announces that they will not be treating minor injuries at A&E after a surge in sick patients. A statement from West Hertfordshire hospital NHS trust read: “The Accident & Emergency department at Watford Hospital is experiencing an extremely high number of attendances. “To ensure our emergency care team are able to treat the most seriously unwell and patients with a major trauma, we have taken the decision to suspend the adults’ Minor Injuries service at Watford until further notice. “All patients arriving at A&E will be seen by a clinician, but if it is judged that their condition is not serious, they will be advised where else they can receive treatment. Children’s services are unaffected. “Patients whose conditions are not likely to be life-threatening have a range of options. They can visit our Urgent Care Centre at Hemel Hempstead Hospital (open 24/7) or the Minor Injuries Unit  at St Albans Hospital (open 9am to 8pm). Patients from the Pinner and Northwood area can visit the Minor Injuries Unit at Mount Vernon Hospital (open 9am to 8pm). “We also encourage local people to consider consulting their GP, their local pharmacy or ring NHS 111 for advice. “We will reassess the situation throughout the night and will aim to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. “We apologise for any inconvenience. Patients who have paid for parking will be refunded and claims can be made using forms available from our A&E.” Are you affected by this? Email leigh@mynewmag.co.uk