Patients requiring urgent care in Shropshire and Telford will be asked to go to Whitchurch or Bridgnorth this week after a decision to relocate the units.

From Thursday, people suffering from urgent but non-life threatening injuries will be sent to Whitchurch Community Hospital, in a move announced by Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals Trust (SaTH).

The Urgent Care Centres (UCCs) at Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) will temporarily relocate to the Minor Injury Unit (MIU) in Whitchurch, as well as Bridgnorth, to form two Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs).

People with major injuries and illnesses, such as head injuries and breathing difficulties should still attend A&E.

The Emergency Departments at PRH and RSH remain open and fully operational 24-hours-a-day; however, these changes will free up capacity to support those with more serious illnesses and injuries who need the level of care offered at hospital.

The two new UTCs will provide treatment for patients where their care needs are urgent, but non-life threatening, and the enhanced service will be offered in Whitchurch, with opening hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The two MIUs and the new look UTCs at Bridgnorth and Whitchurch offer a walk-in service and do not require appointments or referral.

Dr Arne Rose, medical director at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, encouraged people to use the new UTCs.

"The safety and wellbeing of all of our patients is our priority," said Dr Rose.

"These temporary changes will make sure we are looking after patients who need our care for urgent but non-life threatening situations, minor injuries and illnesses, and also those that need more specialist care in our A&E departments.

"We know some patients have expressed concern about taking up the time of our doctors and nurses in our hospitals at this difficult time and we are very grateful for their support.

"It is very important that people continue to access urgent care when they need it and we hope the availability of the UTCs encourage them to do so."

Jane Povey, medical director at Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, added: "We would like to thank people in advance for their understanding and reassure them that these changes are temporary.

"They are being managed in a planned way with the best interests of local people and our staff in mind."

Patients with coronavirus symptoms should follow the government advice by staying at home and using the NHS 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do.

NHS111 will direct those people with symptoms requiring healthcare support to attend the emergency departments at either of the two hospitals.

Anyone requiring medical assistance outside of the opening hours of the two UTCs and two MIUs should call NHS 111 and in an emergency, 999.