The Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Leek Moorlands Hospital has now reopened after it again closed temporarily as too many staff were off work due to Covid.

We reported recently how the closure began on Wednesday 13th July, before reopening today (Tuesday 19th July).

People were instead asked to attend the walk-in centre at Haywood Hospital in Burslem while it was closed.

Leek county Cllr Charlotte Atkins commented: "Good news! The Minor Injuries Unit at Leek Moorlands Hospital has reopened today. That will save many making long and stressful journeys out of town for treatment."

It's the second time in four months that services at the MIU have been suspended due to Covid absences.

We reported back in March how services at the MIU were suspended as too many staff were off work due to Covid.

The unit was also closed temporarily in March 2020, with the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust citing staff shortages brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic and low levels of attendance by local residents as the reasons for the closure.

It finally reopened in June 2021, albeit with reduced opening hours.

Discussing the latest temporary closure, a spokesperson for the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) said last week: "It is with great regret, that Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) announces the temporary suspension of services at the Minor Injuries Unit based at Leek Moorlands Hospital.

"Due to the number of staff who are off work due to Covid-19, MPFT has made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend the services offered by the Leek Minor Injuries Unit from Wednesday 13 July. This decision will be reviewed on Monday 18 July.

"Residents of the Moorlands are asked to attend the Walk-in Centre at the Haywood Hospital during this time."

Neil Carr, Chief Executive of MPFT said: "We know this will be a huge disappointment to many who have campaigned for the restoration of the full operating hours.

"The ability to run high quality services safely with adequate staffing will always be the organisation's priority.

"The public record and for the avoidance of doubt, I am 100% committed to Leek Moorlands Hospital and its urgent care services."