A MINOR injury unit in Launceston is set to close its doors until further notice amid staffing shortages.

Launceston Minor Injury Unit has announced today (July 17) that as of July 21, it will be closing its doors “until it is safe to reopen”.

A spokesperson for the site has explained that it “does not have enough staff to safely provide a 7-day service this summer” and in order “to keep patients and staff safe, the Trust has made the difficult decision to close the unit from 8am on July 21 until it is safe to reopen.”

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has stated that it has recruited to vacant posts, but when the new members of staff start in post, they will need to complete their mandatory induction and training.

A trust spokesperson explained: “The trust has explored a range of options to offer alternative services in the area, but unfortunately these have not come to fruition.

“Launceston is one of the county’s quietest units with less than 8,000 attendances a year. The existing staff will work in the MIUs in Stratton, Liskeard or Bodmin. These units are larger and busier and these additional staff will provide support and resilience to these other units.

“A 9am to 5pm, 7-day a week x-ray service will be provided from Liskeard Community Hospital. This is an increase of the service for 1 day a week, while the MIU in Launceston is closed.

“X-rays are also available Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm at Stratton Community Hospital and 7 days a week in Bodmin Community Hospital from 8am to 8pm.

“In north and east Cornwall other minor injury units are available in Liskeard, Stratton or Bodmin Community Hospital. An MIU also available at Tavistock Hospital in Devon.”