Closure of minor injuries unit extended

The temporary closure of a minor injuries unit has been extended due to "workforce pressures", bosses say.

Newquay Minor Injuries Unit first closed on 21 August due to a shortage of specialist clinicians.

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said it had now taken the "difficult decision" to extend the closure until 2 November because it was unable to provide a "safe, reliable service".

The trust said vacancies and sickness in recent months had to changes to opening hours at short notice and after a careful review the safest option was to "strengthen and stabilise" the service.

The trust said: "The rest of the hospital remains open as normal.

"A new team lead is now in post and working with colleagues to support the future development of the service.

"Extending the closure will give us more time to embed these arrangements, support the team and ensure the unit can reopen safely and sustainably."

The trust apologised for any inconvenience caused and remained committed to reopening the service as soon as it was safe to do so.

It said it was planning for the unit to be reopened on a "phased basis".

"At first, we expect the service to open on reduced days until after Christmas," it said.

"The days and times will be based on when the unit is usually busiest."

Other minor injury units are available in Bodmin, Camborne, Redruth and St Austell, the trust said.

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.