ROSSENDALE’S £12m Health Hub is being ‘badly under-used’ according to a councillor.

The minor injuries unit (MIU), which opened on April 1, treated an average of less than 10 people per day in its first month.

Coun Granville Morris said staff from the Bacup Road centre had told him they fear the public are unaware of the services they offer.

A search on the NHS website to locate Rawtenstall’s closest MIU ignores the Hub completely and recommends patients use Accrington Victoria Hospital, 7.6 miles away.

The Conservative Greenfield councillor said that more needed to be done to direct people to the Rawtenstall clinic for treatment.

He is also worried that cuts will be made if the Rawtenstall centre fails to meet targets. He said: “I’ve heard cases of people going to Rochdale, Accrington and Blackburn for things which could easily be treated in the borough.

“If these numbers don’t improve then will the facility be able to maintain itself in the long-term?”

MIUs can treat sprains, broken bones, wound infections, minor burns, minor eye, head and torso injuries and animal bites.

Council leader Alyson Barnes refuted any worries about the unit.

She said its usage will ‘gather pace’ in the next few months. “I’ve met the staff and at the moment they’re keen to get the place up-and-running.

“I accept it will take a while to be properly embedded but in 12 months the case will be very diff-erent.” A spokesman for East Lancashire PCT said the first month had been ‘successful’.

299 patients were seen, treated and discharged within the four hour national standard.

She added: “Prior to opening, 32,000 households in Rossendale received an information leaflet along with their council tax bill.

This detailed the opening of the Minor Injuries Unit, along with other urgent care provision available.”

Jake Berry, Rossendale and Darwen MP, said: “I would urge people to use it or lose it.

"I would also appeal for the building to be opened up for community events which will help raise awareness.”