Stafford hospital crisis: 20 patients treated on minor injuries unit's first day

A variety of minor injuries were treated throughout the opening day, despite a full accident and emergency service for children still not being in place.

Meanwhile, 16 and 17-year-olds can now be seen in the main A&E department at the hospital.

It comes after nearly 7,000 people backed the Express & Star's campaign to have services fully reinstated as soon as possible.

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The new unit will be used to treat children with a range of minor injuries only, including head injuries, sprains, bruises and fractures.

Bosses say it should not be used for illnesses, rashes, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or chronic illnesses.

Any child who requires more than one hour of observation or specialist treatment will be transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Accident and emergency services at County Hospital continue to be temporarily suspended for children and people under the age of 16 due to concerns about safety.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health recently visited the trust in preparation for their full review of children's emergency services at County Hospital.

The review, which is scheduled to conclude in January 2017, will include analysis of data, a main visit and the publication of a full report.

Dr Ann Marie Morris, emergency medicine consultant and clinical director, said: "I'm pleased we have been able to launch this service safely and swiftly following the temporary suspension of the children's emergency centre.

"The decision in August was difficult but the correct one for patients.

"However, it was important to provide a safe service at County Hospital as quickly as possible.

"We have already seen a number of patients on the Unit and we thank the public for taking on board our messages about what type of injuries can be treated at the minor injuries unit."