A NUMBER of stakeholders of Stratton Hospital met last night (Wednesday) at County Hall, in Truro, to discuss the restoration of the overnight services of the Minor Injuries Unit.

The plan proposed is for it to be operated as a new service model, known as a Community Treatment Centre, and it will be the first of its kind in the region.

It is believed the service is due to start in August, and will be trialled until March 2020. If successful, it would be a model of operation for the rest of the county and further afield.

Cornwall Councillor for Bude, Peter La Broy (Lib Dem) was delighted by the announcement.

He said: “We are delighted and excited that NHS Partners have brought forward a proposal that overnight cover will be restored at Stratton Hospital from August, which will be a new service model known as a Community Treatment Centre.

“This new model of service has been developed as a result of collaborative working between NHS Partners, your councillors and the community.

“We are very grateful to all of the people who gave their time to come to meetings and offer their opinions and experiences, which have been very helpful in achieving this outcome.

“This is the start of a process to bring NHS Services closer to the community in our area and will evolve over time, with further plans already under discussion for more and better health services to be accessed locally in the future.”

Mayor of Bude, Bob Willingham also welcomed the news.

He said: “The model would deliver enhanced cover in the area overnight through the use of clinicians working in the Integrated Urgent Care Service. These clinicians would be able to provide an advanced level of clinical care.”

He also posted an early sight of the paper which has been submitted to July’s Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee, which detailed support from NHS Kernow.

The report stated: “NHS Kernow have reviewed the proposal and support this trial. The proposal provides a significant and positive opportunity for joined up and partnership working that offers an enhanced service together maximising available resources.”

The Post contacted the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust for prior confirmation, however they were unable to comment until the meeting had taken place (after the Post went to press).