TENBURY is to lose its 24 hour minor injuries unit at the town’s hospital.
A decision has been taken to close the unit (MIU) between 9pm and 9am in order to save money.
This will mean that people who need treatment after 9pm for illness and injuries that are not life-threatening will have to travel to either Worcester or Kidderminster.
NHS chiefs say if patients attend Tenbury Hospital overnight they may not get the required treatment due to a lack of relevant equipment and difficulties recruiting appropriate staff.
But Ken Pollock, who represents Tenbury on Worcestershire County Council, and Phil Grove, who sits for the town on Malvern Hills District Council, wanted the unit kept open when they took part in a meeting to overview the decision.
It was made following a consultation by the Worcestershire Care and NHS Trust.
Cllr Pollock said that he understood the financial case for closure but believes that it will put added pressure on the NHS as people will instead go to accident and emergency units with conditions that do not require emergency treatment.
“Little consideration seemed to have been given to what would happen to those currently attending the MIU, once it was closed,” said Cllr Pollock.
“Little was known about how they reached the unit and whether they would be able to get to an alternative facility late at night.
“While it was clear that many of those attending the MIU did not need urgent treatment, it could not be denied that they were appreciative of the help given."