FOUR minor injury units in Dorset will be closed this week as nurses go on strike.

Care will be available from three sites in Dorset during the walkout by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in a dispute over pay and conditions, on Wednesday and Thursday (January 18 and 19).

To ensure people can access face-to-face treatment if they need it, Dorset HealthCare will maintain normal services at Bridport and Wimborne Minor Injuries Units (MIUs), as well as 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, a spokesperson said.

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 to 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.