The minor injuries unit at St Albans City Hospital is closing because of the coronavirus pandemic.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said it made the decision to close the unit as staff "could be better directed" to care for patients at Watford General Hospital.

Earlier this week, when asked about online rumours that St Albans City Hospital would close, the trust said it could "categorically confirm" that it will not be closing.

But the trust has now confirmed the minor injuries unit will close "temporarily" for the whole of April after closing at its normal time on Friday.

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A statement issued by the trust said: "Our top priority – as we respond to the challenge of the Covid-19 outbreak - is to provide the best care we can to local people under these very difficult circumstances.

"This means that we are constantly reviewing our services, with the aim that as many clinical staff as possible are available to treat the sickest patients.

"In the case of the minor injuries unit (MIU) at St Albans Hospital, this was attended by fewer than ten people per day over the last week.

"After careful consideration, we have decided that the skills of the staff at the MIU could be better directed to care for patients at Watford General Hospital who are very unwell, or to fill the roles of colleagues who are now working in newly created areas for patients suffering from severe COVID-19 symptoms."

The trust added that given the "low attendances we are not expecting that the temporary closure will present problems for large numbers of local people".

It said the minor injuries unit at the hospital will reopen when "circumstances permit".

The trust added: "No-one with Covid-19 symptoms should attend any medical setting unless explicitly directed to do by the NHS 111 service or the 999 call operator.

"We are sure that everyone will support all the efforts being made to focus our resource on where it is most needed."

Christine Allen, Chief Executive of West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Our top priority – as we respond to the challenge of the COVID-19 outbreak – is to focus our efforts on caring for our sickest patients. This means that we are constantly reviewing our services, with the aim that as many clinical staff as possible are available for those who need our care the most.”

“We hope that everyone will appreciate and support all the efforts being made to focus our resource on where it is most needed.”