OPENING times have been extended at Kidderminster's Minor Injuries Unit, but concerns remain that the service has still not returned to pre-pandemic hours.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust reduced open times at the 24-hour MIU to 8am until 8pm in March in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The hours were increased to 8am until 10pm this week, however calls have been made to reinstate the unit as a 24/7 service.

One reader said: "Kidderminster were promised 24 hours cover when Kidderminster lost its A&E. If it does not reopen, neither will the out of hours doctors overnight and at weekends.

"I think Kidderminster has lost enough after losing A&E."

The MIU offers treatment and advice on illnesses and injuries that need attention urgently but are not critical or life threatening.

Former Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor, who volunteers with the hospital's League of Friends charity, said: "The minor injuries unit should certainly be 24 hours.

"I would like there to be a doctor at Kidderminster for more hours than at present.

"It would take the load off of Worcestershire Royal and the ambulance service.

"The hospital is crying out to be better utilised."

A spokesman for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: "This is part of a phased restoration of services, which is being planned and delivered to best meet the needs of all our patients, while making sure that we have the staff and facilities to respond to any future developments in the Covid-19 outbreak."