GP surgeries in South Gloucestershire are to start treating patients with minor injuries, it was announced today.

Practices will begin to offer treatment for a range of minor injuries including sprains and strains, cuts and grazes and minor burns and scalds in a pilot service approved by the district’s Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) governing body.

Dr Ann Sephton, who leads the CCG urgent and emergency care, said: “One of our key aims is to provide more care closer to patients’ homes and the new minor injuries services will help us realise this ambition with a wider network of treatment locations at GP practices throughout South Gloucestershire.

“This approach will help to ensure that everyone in South Gloucestershire is much closer to a minor injuries service, helping to extend choice and accessibility for the whole population.”

From next April, the district’s 25 GP surgeries will treat a range of common minor injuries including sprains and strains, cuts and grazes, minor fractures, minor burns and scalds, bites, minor eye injuries and minor head injuries. They will not treat major injuries needing immediate plastering or crutches, severe breathlessness, abdominal pain, chest pain, stroke or severe haemorrhage and patients suffering any such symptoms are advised to call 999.

The new service will be delivered by practice-based nurses, supported by GPs, and will complement existing minor injuries services at Yate Health Centre and Southmead Hospital.

Appointments will be available between 8.30am and 6.30pm on weekdays.

GP practices will continue to provide all of their current services, including those for minor illness, long-term conditions and general family practice.