A&E at Coventry’s hospital is now closed to adults with minor illnesses or injuries.
Health bosses say only patients with life-threatening conditions should go to University Hospital Coventry’s (UHC) emergency department, to free up vital resources in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. Children are still being admitted.
Adults with minor illnesses or injuries can be treated at Rugby Urgent Treatment Centre at St Cross Hospital, or Coventry Urgent Treatment Centre in Stoney Stanton Road.
University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Trust said:
All other emergency services at UHC, including the Children’s Emergency Department (ages 0-15), will be operating as normal.
Patients who would normally use George Eliot Hospital or Warwick Hospital can continue to do so.
Professor Kiran Patel, Chief Medical Officer for UHCW NHS Trust, said: “Our Emergency Department in Coventry has an important role to play in the coming weeks and months for the people of Coventry and Warwickshire and we must protect the most vulnerable.
“We encourage members of the public who have minor injuries or illness to use these alternative services online and in the community. Our Urgent Treatment Centres are managed by our Emergency Department and are therefore continually supported by senior clinical support as and when it is needed.”
Patients who have an eye emergency are also being asked not to attend hospital straight away and instead call 02476 964800, 02476 964802 or 02476 964806 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm), or 02476 962626 (Saturday 9am-midday).
Anyone who needs advice out of hours should telephone NHS 111 in the first instance for support and guidance.
