RESIDENTS are expressing their concern after Launceston’s Minor Injury Unit has been closed for the day in an effort to keep ‘busier units open’.

As a result, residents in need of the minor injury unit will instead be expected to travel to alternative facilities in Bodmin or Liskeard, some 15 to 20 miles away.

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has revealed that Launceston’s only minor injury unit has been closed for the whole day (Tuesday, July 14). The organisation has said that it is sorry for the inconvenience, but that ‘in line with our operational policy, we sometimes close units to keep our busier units open. We understand this is frustrating but this is due to staffing pressures.’

However, while the closure is only for a single day, some residents have been raising concern about the potential issues new housing developments may cause. With a rising population but no suggestion of new infrastructure, locals are worried that the site may face further issues.

For much of 2025, the unit was at the heart of public debate surrounding its operational capacity after it was announced that the unit “does not have enough staff to safely provide a seven-day service this summer”.

Following the announcement, MPs, councillors, and members of the public all expressed their worries about how this would impact the local community, especially the elderly and those without transport.

However, following weeks of debate during the closure, including a public meeting with Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust representatives, it was announced that the unit would be reopening a six-days-a-week service.

Dr Tamsyn Anderson, chief operating officer for the trust reassured residents that work was being carried out to develop a ‘resilient neighbourhood minor illness and injury service’ for the area. However, for many, these closures will reignite the same worries seen only 12 months ago.