Shrewsbury treatment unit 'to take pressure off A&E'

A minor injuries treatment unit is opening in Shrewsbury later to help reduce Accident and Emergency (A&E) admissions.

Manned by St John's Ambulance, the temporary unit will be based in the Montgomery Tower car park.

It is due to open been 21:00 and 03:00 GMT on Friday and Saturday nights, in the run-up to Christmas.

Backed by the Shrewsbury Safer Nights project, the unit is due to operate as part of an eight-week pilot.

Paramedics and alcohol specialists are also expected to be on hand.

Shropshire Councillor Steve Charmley said there was a particular concern over extra pressures on emergency services over the Christmas period

He said the trial aimed to "have a positive impact on ambulance services and NHS resources".