IN May last year I launched my ‘Use it or Lose It’ campaign in conjunction with the Argus to raise awareness of the minor injuries unit at Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan, Ebbw Vale.

The aim was to increase the number of people using the state-of-the-art facility by promoting the treatment you can receive there.

Since then I have been working with the Aneurin Bevan Health Board to continue to support the unit and ensure that people from Blaenau Gwent are treated for the right kinds of injuries on their doorstep rather than travelling to A&E when it is not necessary.

The unit, at YAB, Lime Ave, Ebbw Vale, can treat people with a range of limb injuries, minor head injuries, burns and scalds, sprains and insect bites, and is emergency nurse practitioner-led.

It is open from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday. It is closed on weekends and bank holidays.

If in doubt whether to attend, contact the unit on 01495 363318.

In the Argus last week there was a story with my Torfaen colleague Lynne Neagle who rightly defended the NHS in Wales and hitting out at critics who continue to run down the service.

Yes there are issues which the Welsh Government is working with health officials to address.

However it’s the Labour Welsh Government that has protected funding for the NHS and it’s the Labour Welsh Government who is committed to supporting the doctors, nurses and staff who are giving their all to provide first-class health care.

We are so lucky to have such a great facility here in the borough which is where the National Health Service began.

Let’s make sure we make the most of it.

Congratulations to all those involved with the 120th anniversary celebrations of the Market Hall cinema, Brynmawr.

The volunteers and cinema board celebrated the milestone in style with a weekend of events which was a huge success. Long may it continue.

Don’t forget to contact me is you have any issues of concern in Blaenau Gwent. Feel free to drop me an email alun.davies@wales.gov.uk or call my constituency office on 01495 311160.