There has been a "significant increase" in attendances to Emergency Departments for minor injuries since lockdown measures were relaxed, University Hospitals of North Midlands bosses have said.

The hospitals are now having to make a range of "robust" changes to ensure that resources are directed effectively, and in an effort to keep hospitals, staff and patients safe, prioritising the sickest patients to protect staff and emergency services.

The measures include:

• Minor Injuries in adults and children are seen at Haywood Hospital rather than the Emergency Department at Royal Stoke University Hospital. Haywood Hospital's Walk-in Centre will be able to provide these essential services to the local community between 7am - 9.30pm every day.

• Minor injuries at County Hospital, Stafford are seen at the fracture clinic between 9am and 6pm. Outside of these hours you may be asked to return the following day during those hours.

All other emergency services at Royal Stoke, including the Major Trauma Service and the Children's Emergency Department (ages 0 to 15) and County Hospital will be operating as normal for major injury and illness.

Ann-Marie Morris, Emergency Medicine Consultant and UHNM Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, said: "Following the easing of Government guidelines and lockdown measures our Emergency Departments are seeing a significant increase in attendances, particularly at our Royal Stoke A&E. Patients who attend Royal Stoke with a minor injury will be re-directed to Haywood Hospital's Walk-in Centre and those attending with minor injuries at County Hospital will be directed to the fracture clinic.

"It is vital that people continue to use appropriate urgent care services and so that we can focus on prioritising care to our sickest patients while also keeping patients safe and free from risk while in the Emergency Departments.

"Haywood Hospital's Walk-in Centre can treat a wide range of minor conditions and injuries such as sprains and strains, bites and stings and wounds needing stiches.

"I would appeal to local communities to follow the national advice to stay at home and self-isolate if you have any of the covid19 symptoms such as a high temperature or a new cough, do not come to hospital. If you feel your symptoms are getting worse call your GP or NHS 111."