CORNWALL’S NHS Foundation Trust has announced that reduced hours at Launceston’s Minor Injury Unit will remain in place.

It was announced at the start of April that due to staffing levels, the decision was made to temporarily close the Minor Injury Unit (MIU) at Launceston Community Hospital on Saturdays.

The changes came into effect immediately, meaning the service is now available Sunday to Friday 8am to 8pm, with x-ray services available 8.30am to 5pm on the same days, the temporary changes are set to be reviewed later in the month.

It was announced this week that the closure will remain in place for the time being.

A spokesperson from Cornwall NHS Foundation Trust said: “For the time being, Launceston Minor Injury Unit will remain closed on Saturdays. We are sorry for any inconvenience. If you need a minor injury unit, check live waiting times before leaving home.”

Patients requiring urgent minor injury care will now be directed to MIU’s in Bodmin, Liskeard, Stratton or Tavistock.

The initial decision made by the foundation drew criticism from the area’s MP who said that promises to keep him informed were not upheld. Commenting initially, Ben Maguire said: "I completely understand that staffing pressures are real, and with the chaos the last Tory government left us with, I fully sympathise with the incredible staff working so hard at our community hospitals.

"But residents always deserve clear, timely communication on changes like these, especially when it comes to access to healthcare. I was promised that I would be informed in advance of any changes to opening hours or services, and that simply hasn’t happened. It’s not good enough, and I will be taking it up with the Trust personally to make sure it does not happen again."