MORE than 1,300 have used the minor injuries unit at Dawlish Hospital since it reopened in April.

Figures just released by the Torbay and South Devon Healthcare Trust reveal the numbers of patients who have been treated at the unit for minor injuries and ailments.

The announcement is seen as a vindication of the hospital’s League of Friends’ concerted campaign to reopen the unit which had been closed for more than four years.

Chairman of the League Geoff King said: ‘I’m very pleased to see so many people able to use the MIU facility.

‘Patients can be quickly treated locally and the overloading at ED (formerly A&E) is reduced so it's a win for everyone.’

Dawlish Hospital League of Friends members, left to right, Amanda Force, Jill King and Geoff King. Photo Bob Simpson
Dawlish Hospital League of Friends members, left to right, Amanda Force, Jill King and chairman Geoff King. Photo Bob Simpson (MDA )

The League had been calling for the unit’s reinstatement for several years saying it was urgently needed to avoid people having to travel to neighbouring emergency departments.

Problems recruiting staff had been blamed for the delay.

It finally reopened on April 2 operating Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm on an appointment priority basis.

The average age of visitors to the unit was 59 since reopening, with 88per cent being adults and the rest children.

All visitors were seen within four hours and 97.3 over cent within two hours.

The appointment system has received positive feedback from local residents with patients able to call and book appointments for the same day.

In April, the unit saw 258 people, in May 239, June 247, July 295 and 302 in August.

A Trust spoikesman said: ‘Staffing MIUs with the necessary practitioners remains challenging, and there are unfortunately no current plans to extend the level of service.

‘Torbay and South Devon NHS keep this under constant review and will prioritise services effectively and respond to demand where funding and staffing allows.’

The MIU was originally closed as part of the trust’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic due to staffing levels and demand for services.

Staff can treat a range of conditions including: soft tissue injuries, limb injuries, soft tissue infections, wounds such as bites and stings, lacerations requiring sutures, foreign bodies in eyes and ears and minor illnesses such as tonsillitis, ear infections and female urinary tract infections.