TYWYN Hospital will be without a minor injuries unit for the next two weeks.

Health chiefs blame the temporary closure on "sickness absence and annual leave".

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) have take the decision to close the Minor Injuries Unit in Tywyn Hospital until staffing levels are up.

The health board is frantically working on a staffing plan and it is anticipated that the unit will reopen the week commencing 21 March in readiness for the Easter holidays and associated increase in tourist and visitors to the area.

In the mean time, any patient requiring treatment for a minor injury have been advised to either attend the local GP surgery or the Minor Injuries Unit in Dolgellau Hospital.

Staff at Tywyn Hospital will continue to see patients for routine dressings.

A spokesperson for BCUHB said: "We would like to remind all patients that they can help the health service by ‘Choosing Well’ and going to the service that is most appropriate for their needs such as their local high street pharmacy, GP, ringing NHS Direct Wales or attending one of our minor injuries units."