Minor injuries unit in Chard back open 7 days a week
The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust made the decision back in October to reduce the opening hours because of unsafe staffing levels
A minor injuries unit in Somerset will once more be able to offer services seven days a week following a successful recruitment drive.
The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust operates seven minor injuries units (MIUs) across the county, providing a valuable service for people who cannot access GP appointments but do not need to visit the A&E departments in Taunton or Yeovil.
The trust took the decision in October 2022 to reduce the opening hours at the MIUs in Burnham-on-Sea, Chard and Shepton Mallet, arguing that a lack of staff made it unsafe to keep them open all week.
Health bosses have now confirmed that Chard MIU, located off the A30 Crewkerne Road, can now return to its normal opening hours from Tuesday (September 5).
The MIU will be able to offer services daily between 8am and 9pm, with the last patient being admitted at 8:30pm each day.
This resumption of normal service has come about from the successful recruitment of two additional emergency nurse practitioners, meaning a safe and consistent service can now be provided.
The trust has also purchased a new X-ray machine for the hospital, which will be operational from the beginning of October.
Until this time, patients needing an X-ray will be redirected to the “most appropriate” such facility open on a given day, such as another MIU or the diagnostic hub on the outskirts of Taunton.
Hannah Coleman, managerial lead for Somerset’s MIUs, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to once again open Chard’s MIU seven days a week, having successfully appointing a number of additional emergency nurse practitioners.
“While we won’t have an X-ray facility at Chard for the next month, and
understand that this will cause some inconvenience, our investment in a new machine will mean patients will be able to access the best care at our MIU for years to come.”
The restricted opening hours at Burnham-on-Sea and Shepton Mallet will remain in force until further notice.
For more information on MIU opening times and the conditions which can be handled by them, visit this website.