Services have been temporarily suspended at Leek Moorlands Hospital's Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) after too many staff were off work due to Covid.

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust made the announcement today (Monday 21st March) and says the decision will be reviewed in a week's time, on Monday 28th.

Residents have now instead been asked to use to walk-in centre at Haywood Hospital in Burslem, which is around 10 miles away and approximately a 25-minute journey by car.

Nub News reported back in June how the hospital finally reopened, albeit with reduced opening hours.

The unit was 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.

In today's update a spokesperson for the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: "It is with great regret, that Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 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 and this decision will be reviewed on Monday 28th March.

"Residents of the Moorlands are asked to attend the walk-in centre at the Haywood Hospital."

If anyone is unsure where they should go for care and treatment, please telephone NHS 111 who will be able to sign post you to the most appropriate place of care.

Neil Carr, Chief Executive of MPFT, added: "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."