THE future of Pershore's minor injuries unit has been called into question by Vale MP Sir Michael Spicer.

Sir Michael is concerned that the temporary closure of the unit last week because of staff sickness may be the death knell for the service at Pershore Cottage Hospital.

"I am concerned the closure shouldn't be permanent. Once these things are closed I worry that they won't be opened again," he said.

He is now grilling Secretary of State for Health, Alan Milburn, over the closure in the hope the Minister will put pressure on the NHS South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust to re-open the MIU quickly.

He wants to know how many staff have been affected by illness, how long there has been a staff shortage at the MIU and what attempts have been made to find substitute nursing staff.

He has also asked for the estimated duration of the closure as well as patient numbers treated at the MIU over the past 12 months and the running costs for the unit.

"It all came out of the blue and there was no consultation, certainly not with me.

"I am keen to ensure that the fact it is closed is not forgotten. The minor injuries unit should be at the heart of a community hospitals," added Sir Michael. He is expecting a reply from Mr Milburn today.

June Patel, clinical services and nursing director at the trust said: "We have had to take the regrettable decision to close the unit due to unavoidable long term sickness.

"Everything possible is being done to recruit temporary staff so we can reopen the unit as soon as possible."