Apology as overnight closure of West Cornwall urgent treatment centre continues
The temporary measure at Penzance has been in place since the middle of August
Last updated 16th Sep 2022
Hospital bosses have apologised for the continued overnight closure of the West Cornwall's Urgent Treatment Centre.
The site in Penzance has been shut from 8pm-8am every night since 10th August and, going forward, will continue to close from 10pm-8am. That is despite the fact that the temporary overnight closures were only meant to last for one week.
In a statement last month, Clinical Lead for West Cornwall Hospital, Dr Neil Davidson said the hospital was doing everything it could to bolster the team and recruit to vacant posts. He also insisted the closures were not about saving money.
On Friday 16th September, Dr Davidson said everyone was working "exceptionally hard" to "maintain the service for as many hours as possible".
However, he added that a combination of vacancies, much-need annual leave and sickness meant that had not been possible.
Dr Davidson said: “We have done everything possible to avoid temporary overnight closure of the West Cornwall Hospital urgent treatment centre.
"Everyone has been working exceptionally hard, taking on as many extra shifts as they can to maintain the service for as many hours as possible.
"Unfortunately, our small team has been reduced by a combination of vacancies, much-needed annual leave and sickness, which as meant we have been unable to operate the service 24-hours a day.
"Our aim is to keep the urgent treatment centre open until 10pm daily whilst we continue to recruit more specialist emergency nurse practitioners and GPs to our team over the coming months.
“We are grateful to local people for their continued support and we are absolutely committed to fully restoring the overnight minor injury unit service, which remains an essential part of urgent care services for Cornwall".