The MIU at Leek Moorlands Hospital will close temporarily from Friday 20 March.

The decision has been taken by Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) in response to severe staffing shortages and low levels of attendance at the unit.

Opening hours for the Walk-in Centre at Haywood Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent are being extended to 7am-9.30pm every day (the centre was previously open from 9am on weekends). Patients are also able to access the Community Pharmacy at Haywood Hospital.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: “We have taken the decision to temporarily close Leek Minor Injuries Unit in response to current staffing challenges coupled with low levels of attendance from the local population and to ensure that we continue to maintain patient and staff safety.

“This is a temporary closure and the Minor Injuries Unit will reopen as soon as possible.

“The Trust is reminding people to call NHS 111 or visit a local pharmacy for advice relating to minor injuries or ailments.”