THE future for the county’s minor injury units – in their current form – is under review, Wye Valley Health Trust (WVT) confirmed this week.

But a full accident and emergency service at Hereford County Hospital seems safe for the time being.

The trust has formally acknowledged what chief executive Derek Smith told the most recent meeting of its board.

Last week the Hereford Times reported Mr Smith as saying the trust would soon have to look at the “economies” of operating minor injuries units (MIUs).

Now it can be confirmed that the future for the units is under review as the trust and incoming clinical commissioning group (CCG) assess urgent care provision in the county.

CCGs were established nationwide under NHS reforms. By April, the trust has to be ready for the buying and shaping of health and care services to be handed from NHS Herefordshire to the county’s CCG, made up of 25 GP practices.

Though the CCG wants an accident and emergency service kept at the county hospital, all other related community provision faces scrutiny as to its effectiveness and value for money.

The trust board was told that despite community campaigns the CCG at the very least wants MIU opening times, which changed in October, to stay as they are rather than revert back.

CCG chairman Dr Andy Watts stressed that “no firm proposals” were on the table with a number of options to be considered.

“We appreciate and understand the concern and interest shown by local people, we will ensure that local people will have the opportunity to comment on the proposals,” he said.