THE minor injuries unit and X-ray clinic at Accrington Victoria Hospital will shut from 8.30pm tonight (WED).

The move is to concentrate staff at Royal Blackburn and Burnley General hospitals during the coronavirus outbreak.

Kevin McGee, chief executive of the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “In the current unprecedented conditions, and as we do everything we can to address Covid-19, we are concentrating our staffing resources onto our two main acute sites.

“The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) and associated X-Ray service at Accrington Victoria Hospital will close temporarily, until further notice. Patients are asked to attend the MIU at Rossendale Health Centre, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, or the urgent care centres at either Burnley General or Royal Blackburn.

“GPs will be able to direct patients to X-Ray services at Rossendale Health Centre; Barbara Castle Way, Blackburn; or Burnley General Hospital on Mondays to Fridays between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

"We realise this may cause inconvenience, but we are sure our staff, patients and community understand we need to concentrate our resources where they will have the most effect. Please note, this notice affects the MIU and associated X-Ray services only; the GP surgery at Accrington Victoria Hospital and any outpatient services there are not affected by these changes.”

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: “This is a sensible move.”