MINISTERS have revealed there is still no date for the minor injuries unit at Pershore Hospital to re-open.

Last week, West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer tabled a raft of Parliamentary questions about the closure of the unit on Saturday, June 1.

He wanted to know what steps were being taken to tackle the staff shortages that led to South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust taking the decision.

The Conservative MP also asked when worried residents could expect normal service to be resumed.

Responding to Sir Michael, Health Minister David Lammy said the unit had been closed on "clinical safety" grounds after two staff went on long-term sick leave at the same time.

"The trust is actively seeking substitute nursing staff with appropriate qualifications and experience in minor injuries from the in-house nursing bank, national and local nursing agencies and an advertising campaign," he said.

But Mr Lammy was unable to give any estimate on how long this process may take. It was, he said, being reviewed on a weekly basis.

"There is no clear indication from these answers as to when the minor injuries unit at Pershore Community Hospital will reopen," said Sir Michael.

"My strongly-held view is that it should not have been closed in the first place.

"Replacement staff should have been found to keep it open. It is certainly a vital element in a community hospital of this nature.

"I intend to keep up the pressure on the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust until a firm date is given for the reopening of this unit. I assume this will be within the next few weeks."

At present, patients who turn up at the unit are being turned away and told to make the journey to the minor injuries unit at Evesham Community Hospital.