Launceston's minor injuries unit closed until October

The trust said it "should have done more" to share the decision with the local community

A minor injuries unit (MIU) in Launceston will be closed until 1 October, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has announced.

It said the decision was made due to staff being off sick with coronavirus and other conditions or having to self-isolate due to Track and Trace.

Staff will relocate to Bodmin, Stratton and a larger MIU in Liskeard.

The trust said it "should have done more" to share the decision with the local community.

'Very disappointed'

Councillor Leighton Penhale, the mayor of Launceston, said he was "very disappointed" to hear of the temporary closure, which came into place on Sunday.

"We accept that staff problems are common right across the county but there should be a minor injury unit available here," he said.

"Two months is a long time, and a long time to be without the assurance that there is something there to look after our minor injuries."

He added: "To have to go to Liskeard, Stratton or Bodmin is too far in my opinion."

North Cornwall MP Scott Man also said he was "frustrated" to hear the news via social media.

"We think only 10% of the staff are either in isolation, or have Covid, so it does seem odd that we're running at a 90% staff rate and we're having to shut a community minor injury unit," he said.

Health and social care leaders who manage the demand for MIU services made the decision.

In a statement they said "anyone who needs urgent but non-emergency care should contact 111 in the first instance".

They said GPs also remain available and appointments are offered by telephone, video-call, and face-to-face.

All other services at Launceston Community Hospital will continue to operate as usual.