Newquay Minor Injury Unit's November reopening shelved as closure continues

Newquay's Minor Injury Unit is set to remain closed, just days before it was due to reopen.

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has blamed continuing staffing pressures, saying it is not yet in a position to provide a safe and reliable service.

The unit temporarily closed in August because of staff sickness and other workforce pressures.

Earlier this month, the trust announced plans to reopen on Monday, 2 November, initially on a phased basis with reduced opening days until after Christmas.

However, in a statement issued on Friday (30 October), just days before the planned reopening, the trust confirmed the closure would continue, with no new reopening date offered.

"After a further review of the service, we have made the difficult decision to continue the temporary closure of Newquay Minor Injury Unit.

"While we have made progress on recruiting staff and strengthening local leadership, workforce pressures remain. We are not yet in a position to consistently provide the safe and reliable service that local people need and deserve. The rest of the hospital will stay open as normal."

The trust said staffing problems had led to changes in opening hours at short notice in recent months and that keeping the unit closed was currently the responsible decision.

Recruitment is continuing, with interviews and further advertising planned for healthcare assistant and specialist practitioner roles.

A new team lead has also been appointed to support existing staff and oversee recruitment.

The trust acknowledged the disappointment the decision would cause.

"We know how important the unit is to local people and visitors and we understand this news will be disappointing. We are sorry for the continued disruption."

It said the unit would reopen once it was confident it could provide a safe, reliable and consistent service, rather than announcing another date that might need to change.

Where can patients go?

Patients requiring minor injury treatment can attend other units without an appointment.

The nearest alternatives include:

• Bodmin: 8am to 10pm

• Camborne Redruth: 8am to 10pm

• St Austell: 8am to 8pm

The trust says the rest of Newquay Hospital remains open as normal.

Further information and live waiting times are available on the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust website.