AS promised, Launceston’s Minor Injury Unit (MIU) has reopened today [October 1].

The unit was temporarily closed on July 26, much to the dismay of the local community. However, the unit has now reopened and will be returning to its core hours, seven days a week.

Reporting the news on their Facebook page, a Launceston Community Hospital spokesperson said: "We are pleased to confirm the minor injury unit at Launceston Hospital has reopened today, on October 1, 2021, as promised.

"The minor injury unit will return to its core hours and will be available seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, although as before there may be times when resources from this unit are used to support other minor injury units.

"As before, anyone who thinks they need support for a minor illness or injury should contact NHS 111 before travelling to this or any other unit or go online and use the NHS 111 symptom checker. This helps us to ensure people are directed to the best resource while also helping us to maintain social distancing in our waiting areas.

"As you may be aware, the Trust is investing over £400,000 into the hospital to upgrade the x-ray facilities. This work will start at the end of the month, on October 31. The investment will see the replacement of the 20-year-old x-ray machine and will take approximately 12 weeks to complete (excluding Christmas). While the work is undertaken, the x-ray provision at the hospital will be suspended and will recommence on completion of the work in mid-February 2022. Up until October 31, the Monday to Friday x-ray services will continue to be available at the hospital from 9am to 5pm."

They added: "All other services including inpatient care and the minor injury unit will continue to operate while the work is undertaken."