Walk-ins stopped atMIIUs

Residents across Perth and Kinross can no longer go to a Minor Injury and Illness Unit unless they have an appointment.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership has placed temporary restrictions on all its MIIUs in a bid to protect patients and staff.

Only patients who have an appointment will be seen walk-ins and patients who do not have an appointment will be turned away.

This will apply to the MIIUs at Blairgowrie Community Hospital, Pitlochry Community Hospital, Crieff Community Hospital and St Margaret’s Community Hospital in Auchterarder with immediate effect.

Gordon Paterson, chief officer of Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “This temporary change to how people can access our MIIU services reflects changes that have been made to how patients are now accessing GP services.

“We hope that people understand that we have made this change to protect patients and staff in these challenging times.”

Residents are now being told to contact their GP practice between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and if their GP surgery is closed, they are to access out-ofhours care through NHS 24 by calling 111.

When calling NHS 24, calls will be clinically triaged and patients will be appointed to the right place to make sure they are reviewed safely.

Residents are also encouraged to attend pharmacies for free advice, support and guidance on a range of health problems.