AFTER four years, the minor injuries unit at Dawlish Hospital has finally re-opened today. 

NHS bosses confirmed the opening a few weeks ago and now the unit is open to patients. 

It will be open from Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm on an appointment basis. 

The priority service will mean people are able to call 01626 895203 and book appointments for the same day.

Walk-in visitors will be supported but appointments will be prioritised so patients may be redirected. 

Staff will be able to treat a range of conditions including: soft tissue injuries, limb injuries, soft tissue infections, wounds such as bites and stings, lacerations requiring sutures, foreign bodies in eyes and ears and minor illnesses such as tonsillitis, ear infections and female urinary tract infections. 

The unit was closed for four years, mainly due to staffing problems, but now NHS bosses have filled 

vacant nursing posts.

Dr Liz Thomas, deputy medical director of Torbay and South Devon NHS, said the Dawlish model is based on the MIU system at Totnes Hospital which currently works ‘very well’. 

The reopening comes after years of campaigning by the Friends of Dawlish Hospital and Dawlish Town Council. 

Chairman of the Friends of Dawlish Hospital Geoff King said: ‘Needless to say I am delighted that significant progress has been made.’ 

The reopening follows lengthy campaigning by the Friends who launched a petition last year calling for the unit to be open.

The Bring Back Dawlish MIU petition attracted almost 200 responses.