The Minor Injuries Unit at Wimborne is one of three in Dorset where care will be available during this week’s industrial action by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

To ensure people can access face-to-face treatment if they need it on Wednesday and Thursday (18 and 19 January), Dorset HealthCare will also maintain normal services at Bridport and the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Weymouth Hospital.

This has been arranged in agreement with RCN representatives, in order to ensure patient safety and also safe staffing levels.

However, the MIUs at Blandford, Shaftesbury, Sherborne and Swanage hospitals will be closed on both days.

As usual, anyone requiring urgent care for injury or illness should call NHS 111 or go online (https://111.nhs.uk/) for an assessment in the first instance. If appropriate, an appointment will be arranged at an MIU or the UTC.

Jane Elson, service director for Integrated Community Services, said: “While we will be unable to offer a full service over the strike days, consolidating our staff at three locations will allow us to provide a consistent, reliable offer to anyone who needs urgent treatment.”

For details of MIU/UTC opening times and locations, visit: www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/miu

If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 999. Emergency care will continue to be available during the industrial action, so please do not hesitate to seek help if you need it.