AS the cold weather has now hit Wyre Forest, minor injuries from slips, trips and falls on the ice are becoming more and more common.

Worcestershire health chiefs are urging residents who suffer bumps, bruises and sprains due to the cold weather to visit a minor injury unit (MIU) instead of A&E.

Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust run four MIUs across the county, while the Kidderminster MIU is managed by the local acute trust.

Dawn Shaw, minor injuries team lead, said: “We are seeing an increase in patients attending after slipping on the ice mainly wrist and ankle injuries.

“We have treated patients with hot water bottle burns so extra care needs to be taken if you use them. Do not put them directly on skin, always make sure they are done up tightly, and only use hot water from the tap not from a boiling kettle.

“Patients who have slipped and suffer from hip, neck or back pain should call an ambulance immediately and stay warm and comfortable but should not move until emergency help arrives. If required they will be taken to A&E for further assessment.”

MIUs cover a wide range of injuries including cuts, grazes, wounds, strains and minor burns, but do not treat medical conditions such as colds, coughs, chest or ear infections.

For these ailments, contact a local pharmacy, GP or call NHS 111 for advice.