Fewer visits to minor injuries unit at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr during pandemic

The number of patients visiting the minor injuries unit (MIU) at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr (YYF) in Ystrad Mynach has dropped significantly during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to statistics published by the Welsh Government, the total number of visits to YYF’s MIU in 2020 was 18,765 – which equates to 61% of the 30,671 visits recorded in 2019.

In April, the first full month of lockdown, a total of 775 people attended the unit – 1,928 fewer than in April 2019.

Total number of attendances in 2019 and 2020 [staswales.gov.uk]

The drop in the number of attendances also meant an increase in the number of patients who were treated within the Welsh Government’s target time.

On average, around 97.5% of people who attended YYF’s minor injuries unit in 2020 were seen and discharged within four hours, compared to 93.3% in 2019.

The percentage of patience seen within four hours in 2019 and 2020 [staswales.gov.uk]

Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr opened in 2012 at a cost of £172million.

The hospital’s minor injuries unit provides treatment and assessment for injuries such as broken bones and minor joint dislocations, wounds, grazes and minor burns.

The unit is open seven days a week between 7am and 10pm.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s main accident and emergency centre is now situated at the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran.

The 350m hospital, which has 470 beds, opened in November last year.

£350m Grange Hospital opens its doors – but how do you get there?

Dr Tim Rogerson, Emergency Medicine, Clinical Director and Consultant, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: “We believe that there has been a drop in attendances as a result of fewer sporting, recreational and work-related injuries during lockdown.

“In addition, people are wisely choosing to use self-care for very minor injuries, rather than attend a hospital site.

“We want the public to keep up the good work and continue to keep themselves safe. However, should they need us we are still here for them.

“Safety is our number one priority should you need to visit one of our Minor Injuries Units or Emergency Department. We are taking infection control measures to clean public spaces to keep you safe while in our care.”