Alison Williams, one of the lead Emergency Nurse Practitioners (left) and Davina Buttery, Senior Emergency Nurse Practitioner outside the entrance to the Minor Injuries Unit at Caterham Dene Hospital.

The Minor Injuries Unit at Caterham Dene Hospital is extending its opening hours. Starting this week, the Minor Injuries Unit will be open from 9.00am – 8.00pm, 365 days a year for adults aged 18 and over.. Caterham Dene Hospital located on Church Road is run by local community health provider First Community Health & Care.

Managing Director, Philip Greenhill said: “Our hugely popular Minor Injuries Unit is a safe and convenient alternative to A&E for Minor Injuries.

"Our MIU currently sees 70 – 100 patients per week and we consistently receive excellent patient feedback results via the national Friends and Family Test. There is no need to book an appointment, and we have limited free parking on site. With the centre being open for longer hours, this will only serve the needs of our population better.”

Dr Joe McGilligan, GP and East Surrey Clinical Commissioning Group Chair said: “Extended opening hours for the popular Minor Injuries Unit in Caterham is excellent news for local people.

"With the service now open 9am - 8pm (last patient 7.30pm), seven days a week, working people will find accessing the service much easier. It is important that patients access the right service for the right illness. Often people go to A&E because they are worried and unsure of where else to go. The Minor Injuries Unit provides convenient treatment for sprains, strains and minor burns, so there is no need to go to A&E.”