A NEW minor injuries unit is to open in Ipswich this weekend - one of the first examples of NHS care being provided by a private company.From Saturday, people with minor ailments like cuts and grazes can go to the Riverside Clinic in Landseer Road, instead of having to go to Ipswich Hospital's accident and emergency department.
A NEW minor injuries unit is to open in Ipswich this weekend - one of the first examples of NHS care being provided by a private company.
From Saturday, people with minor ailments like cuts and grazes can go to the Riverside Clinic in Landseer Road, instead of having to go to Ipswich Hospital's accident and emergency department.
The new service will be run by nurses and will deal with a range of medical problems from sprains to bites and stings to minor eye infections.
It has been set up by TCN Limited (a co-operative of doctors), who work with Suffolk Doctors on Call and the Suffolk East PCTs.
David Cocks, chief executive of TCN, said: “The new unit is a very exciting venture and we believe that the specialist skilled service delivered at the clinic will ease the burden on acute hospitals.
“It will enable more patients with minor injuries to be treated more quickly in a non-hospital environment, thus freeing up the acute hospital to treat patients who need emergency care.
“We are determined to ensure this new NHS service provides real healthcare benefits and choice for our local community.”
Anyone who has a minor injury that requires NHS medical assistance can attend the clinic free of charge without an appointment.
Carole Taylor-Brown, chief executive of the Suffolk East PCTs, said: “We are delighted that this important new service is opening at the Riverside Clinic. It will bring more choice for people living in east Suffolk and we hope it will also ease the pressure on the hospital's accident and emergency department.”
It will work closely with Ipswich Hospital, ensuring patients are seen in the most appropriate place and will be open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm.
For more information see www.riversideclinic.net or call 01473 299622.
Do you think the clinic is a good idea? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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