Dawlish Minor Injuries will finally reopen next month - after pandemic
Bosses say: "It has always been our plan to reopen the service as soon as we were confident we could provide a sustainable service."
It's been shut since March 2020, and today it was confirmed Dawlish's minor injuries unit will reopen early next month.
NHS bosses say it'll be without x-ray facilities to begin with due to what they're calling 'radiology workforce constraints'
It'll be open on weekdays from 8am until 5pm from Tuesday April 2.
Liz Davenport, Chief Executive at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are grateful to be in a position to reopen the minor injuries unit at Dawlish Community Hospital.
"It has always been our plan to reopen the service as soon as we were confident we could provide a sustainable service.
"Our teams have worked hard over a long period of time to reach this point. We know how much the service means to local people and we would like to apologise once again for the long temporary closure.
“The feedback on the ‘appointment-priority’ service at the minor injuries unit at Totnes Community Hospital has been very positive and has allowed us to deliver a consistent service in that area. We are looking forward to bringing this service format to Dawlish Community Hospital and providing an MIU once again.”
An ‘appointment-priority’ service will be in place, with people able to call and book appointments for the same day. An NHS spokesperson added: "The unit will also support walk-in visitors but appointments will be prioritised so people may be redirected. This system follows the model at Totnes Community Hospital’s MIU which has helped protect the service and maintain consistency.
The spokesperson added: "Dawlish MIU was originally closed as part of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic due to staffing levels and demand for services.
"The telephone number for appointments will be confirmed ahead of the opening. Details will be available on Torbay and South Devon’s website."