NORTH CORNWALL’S MP has criticised the move to temporarily change the opening times of Launceston’s Minor Injury Unit.

It was announced this week that due to staffing levels, the decision was made to temporarily close the Minor Injury Unit (MIU) at Launceston Community Hospital on Saturdays.

The changes come into effect immediately, meaning the service is now available Sunday to Friday 8am to 8pm, with x-ray services available 8.30am to 5pm on the same days, the temporary changes are set to be reviewed on April 12.

However, the area’s MP has criticised the decision and the lack of advanced warning of changes.

Patients requiring urgent minor injury care on Saturdays will now be directed to MIU’s in Bodmin, Liskeard, Stratton or Tavistock.

Commenting, Ben Maguire MP said:

"I completely understand that staffing pressures are real, and with the chaos the last Tory government left us with, I fully sympathise with the incredible staff working so hard at our community hospitals.

"But residents always deserve clear, timely communication on changes like these, especially when it comes to access to healthcare. I was promised that I would be informed in advance of any changes to opening hours or services, and that simply hasn’t happened. It’s not good enough, and I will be taking it up with the Trust personally to make sure it does not happen again."