A new integrated Minor Injuries Service in Burnham-On-Sea “could be available in late spring 2025”, says NHS Somerset.
Symphony Healthcare Services, which runs Burnham and Berrow Medical Centres and Highbridge Medical Centre, have been working on a proposal to relocate the current MIU service from Burnham Community Hospital, as first reported here by Burnham-On-Sea.com.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust says it is working on a proposal to “improve the resilience and reliability” of the minor injury unit in Burnham-On-Sea by relocating the service from Burnham Community Hospital to the closely located Burnham Medical Centre on a trial basis.
The NHS adds: “Teams are continuing to work closely together to refine the details around the proposal and it is hoped that the new service could be available in late spring 2025.”
It added that communications will be shared with patients, healthcare partners and wider stakeholders as the project progresses.
NHS Somerset have also said that the “trial” will last for around six to 12 months, with the opportunity to provide feedback on the service before any decisions are made.
The new location is expected to provide increased capacity with two clinical consultation rooms.
In addition, the Emergency Practitioner will be supported by a Registered Nurse, who will be able to provide additional clinical support and dressings.
The reason for the relocation has been in the process over the last few months, following a number of short notice closures due to workforce shortages at Burnham MUI, which has led to inconsistencies in the service provided to local communities.
In addition, there are no x-ray facilities in the building and the current location of the MIU within the outpatient’s area of the community hospital is restrictive with one main consultant room and only allows for one patient to be seen at a time.
