The Minor Injuries Unit at Thurso’s Dunbar Hospital is to close temporarily for the next four nights with cover being provided by the Emergency Department at Caithness General Hospital in Wick, 22 miles away.
The temporary closures are to begin today from 7am with the Minor Injuries Unit remaining closed until 7am on Saturday 13.
The unit will reopen until 7pm before an overnight closure is set to take place until 7am on Sunday 14, again reopening until 7pm.
A closure at this point will continue until the unit reopens at 7am on Tuesday 16 October.
Pam Garbe, NHS Highland’s Rural General Hospital Manager, said: “Despite every effort we had no alternative but to close the Minor Injuries Unit during these times due to extreme staffing pressures. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause’.
Local residents are advised that there is no change to accessing emergency services and people should dial 999 in the event of a medical emergency
Residents are also being advised that if it’s not an emergency, they can either contact their local GP or go to the Emergency Department at Caithness General Hospital.
NHS 24 is also available after 6pm and can be reached by dialling 111.
