FROM Friday, December 1, the minor injuries unit (MIU) at Burnham-on-Sea Community Hospital has reopened seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm (last patient at 5.30pm).

The increased hours are due to the recruitment of three additional emergency nurse practitioners, and the return of an additional colleague from maternity leave.

This means a safe and consistent service can now be provided from the MIU every day of the week.

More information and opening times on the seven minor injury units across Somerset can be found here: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/minor-injury-units/

Hannah Coleman, managerial lead for Somerset’s minor injuries units, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to once again open the Burnham on Sea MIU, seven days a week after successfully appointing a number of additional emergency nurse practitioners.

“In addition, we’re really thrilled that we have a further emergency nurse practitioner trainee who has passed their training, and we have two more practitioners who are working towards their non-medical prescribing qualifications, which means that once qualified they will be able to prescribe medication as well as assessing and treating minor injuries and illnesses.

“We’re really thankful for the support of our local community over the last year and for the continued hard work of the team during this time.”