The Minor Injuries Unit at Totnes Hospital, South Devon has been closed since March 2020. The reasons given for this closure, by the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust are 1. The Covid epidemic. 2. Shortage of qualified staff.

However, this closure represents a serious inconvenience and a proven danger to the 8000 plus inhabitants of Totnes - and to the wider catchment area - some 15,000 people. To reach the Nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Newton Abbott, which, though it offers a good service,is a stiff challenge indeed, if you are nursing a deep, cut, broken leg or other "minor" injury which requires swift attention. Not everyone has a car, indeed, to drive to Newton Abbott would be ill-advised, or impossible, while in pain, or losing blood from a cut -there are several known instances of this. 

A taxi there (to Newton Abbott Hospital) one way- will cost a minimum of £20 - which many simply cannot afford. 

There is growing concern regarding this closure, while, though officially "temporary", has a look of permanence about it, especially as, we are informed, the MIU equipment from Totnes Hospital is now installed at Newton Abbot.

We seek the re-opening of the Totnes Minor Injuries Unit as soon as possible, preferably permanently, and full-time, though even a part time opening would assuage some of the deep concern felt and expressed by the inhabitants of Totnes and district.