THE new minor injuries unit at Kidderminster General Hospital has seen nearly 45 per cent more patients than estimated during its first year of operation.

Over the past 12 months, emergency nurse practitioners at the new unit have seen 22,981 patients needing treatment for minor complaints - 7,000 more than they expected.

The figures were revealed after staff at the unit monitored performance in a number of areas, which included studies into patients being referred to GPs and the number coming in by ambulance.

Patients were also given a satisfaction survey to fill in, and 80 per cent said they were happy with their experience at the unit and the way they were treated by staff.

"While we're pleased with the high level of care by the Emergency Nurse Practitioners in the unit, we're continuing to develop our skills," said Dawn Robins, acting manager of the MIU.

"Interestingly, there's a 100 per cent staff retention in the unit and other nurses are waiting to join the team."

Staff have decided to take action on a number of issues following the results of the surveys.

Better working practices with GPs will be investigated, and patients being brought in will be checked to see if they are being referred to the right place.

"We're very pleased with the high level of service provided to the population but have concerns regarding the present emergency nurse practitioner staffing levels," said Pauline Davis, chairman of Kidderminster Community Health Council.

The MIU was formed after the casualty department at Kidderminster hospital was closed.

Patients with minor injuries, which can be dealt with by specially trained nurse practitioners, are sent there rather than clogging up the accident and emergency department at Worcester Royal Infirmary.