A NEW minor injuries unit was today opening its doors at Ipswich Hospital.

The new centre was starting taking patients this morning following the closure of Riverside Clinic, which saw the last patients through the doors at 8pm last night.

The move was made following health bosses’ decision to vote in favour of relocating the minor injuries unit to the Heath Road site at NHS Suffolk’s board meeting last month. All staff have been transferred over to the new clinic based within the Garrett Anderson Centre.

Dr David Hartin, Ipswich Hospital’s lead consultant for the Emergency Department, said: “Patients will now be able to access the right care at the right time in the right place, and our team will be working extremely hard to see there is a smooth transition.

“I would encourage patients to remember that often minor injuries and illness can be treated at home or by a pharmacist, so they should choose well when considering their choice of treatment.”

Ipswich Borough Council leader David Ellesmere previously voiced concern over the move. He said he believed the Riverside Clinic had successfully taken people away from A&E.

n What do you think about the move? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or alternatively you can e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk