THE minor injury unit (MIU) at Tavistock Hospital reopened to the public this morning (Monday) after five months of closure.

The unit was closed in August due to staffing shortage that could not be overcome in the short term.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said that the MIU service will open from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, initially, whilst the new team continues to grow and re-establish the service — with an intention to return to a seven-day service later in the year.

‘The MIU is an alternative to attending the emergency department when an injury is not considered life-threatening, but still requires urgent treatment.

‘Thank you to everyone who has been involved with recruiting ad training our new team of specialist nurse practitioners and to our colleagues in the local GP practices and Devon CG who have been instrumental in supporting a local service during the temporary closure.’

Patients used minor injuries units in Launceston, Liskeard, Okehampton or Plymouth while Tavistock’s MIU was closed.