LOCAL figures have reacted to the news that Launceston Minor Injury Unit (MIU) has reopened.

Last week, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust announced that the MIU would be reopening on September 2.

The news comes after the unit was closed back in July when the trust stated the unit “does not have enough staff to safely provide a seven-day service this summer”, meaning it would have to close its doors.

The closure led to widespread concern, however, after several weeks of closure, the unit has finally reopened.

A spokesperson for the trust explained: “The service will operate 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday until September 12. In this period x-rays will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 5pm.

“From September 14, the unit will return to six-day a week opening, offering support to local residents from 8am to 8pm, Sunday to Friday. X-ray also be available on these days between 9am and 5pm.”

Dr Tamsyn Anderson, chief operating officer, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank people for their support and patience over the last few weeks. I am pleased we can return the service to the town. Initially, we will offer a five-day-a-week offer, with slightly shorter opening hours, but will quickly be back to a six-day-a-week service.

“Meanwhile, we will continue our work with the Integrated Care Board and other providers to develop a resilient neighbourhood minor illness and injury service.”

Following the news, a number of local figures have reacted to the news.

Cornwall councillor Damon Dennis, who represents Launceston South, said: “I am delighted to welcome the early reopening of our Minor Injuries Unit. This is a real example of what can be achieved when we work together with purpose and commitment. The strong collaboration between the NHS Trust, local partners, and community stakeholders has made this possible, demonstrating the very best of partnership working across the public sector.

“The return of this valued service will make a meaningful difference to residents, giving people quicker, more accessible care closer to home. Our community has shown great resilience during the time the unit was closed and now looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the NHS Trust in shaping the future of urgent care locally.

“Together, we are laying the foundations for a new Integrated Minor Injury and Illness service in Launceston, one that reflects the needs of our residents and strengthens the healthcare provision for years to come.”

Cllr Dennis isn’t the only one who has welcomed the unit’s reopening, Cllr Adrian Parsons (Altarnun and Stoke Climsland) said: “I welcome the announcement from the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust that the Minor Injury Unit (MIU) in Launceston will reopen in early September. This is a vital resource for our rural community, and I fully appreciate its importance.

“Looking ahead, it is essential that we work together to strengthen partnerships and lay the foundations for a new Integrated Minor Injury and Illness Service in Launceston. This will better help meet the needs of our residents by providing quicker and more accessible care closer to home. It is hoped this approach will help ensure the long-term retention of healthcare provision in the town for years to come.”

North Cornwall’s MP also commented following the news.

Ben Maguire said: "Ever since the closure was first announced, just days before the MIU shut its doors back in July, I’ve been inundated with calls, emails, and letters from constituents urging me to push for action. I launched a petition that received huge local support, and pressed the trust at every step of the way, while also escalating the matter to Health Ministers in Westminster.

"Now, I’m very pleased to hear that the trust has confirmed reopening. This is a huge victory for local residents and campaigners... but we must stay vigilant. The MIU will not yet return to 'full service', so I plan to set up a new Launceston Hospital Action Group to bring together Cornwall councillors, town councillors, and local residents to ensure that services are enhanced, not reduced, in future.

"We can’t take our foot off the pedal. I'd like to thank the MIU's staff for their incredible hard work, and I promise that I’ll continue working closely with the trust and local Councillors Nicky Chopak and Damon Dennis, to make sure Launceston gets the reliable, accessible healthcare it deserves."