Devon MP welcomes NHS review into Honiton Hospital's minor injuries unit
It follows concerns over the unit's limited opening hours due to staffing issues.
Last updated 4th Feb 2025
The MP for Honiton & Sidmouth has welcomed news that a review into the county’s minor injuries units is underway, with a view to improving standards.
Concerns have been raised over the opening hours at Honiton Hospital's minor injuries unit (MIU) , following frequent closures due to staffing issues over the last few months.
The hospital is one of only two remaining community facilities that have minor injuries units in Eastern Devon, following closures at Axminster, Seaton, Ottery St Mary, and Sidmouth Hospitals.
Foord says the issue was discussed at a meeting with the Chief Executive of NHS Devon, Steve Moore, and Acting Chief Financial Officer Kirsty Denwood, last Monday (27th January).
NHS Devon is one of three integrated care boards nationally subject to special “oversight” measures and has been monitored by the Recovery Support Programme at NHS England.
Richard said: “It was a constructive meeting. We talked about the pressures, and the complex funding formula which seems to me to disadvantage rural and coastal areas like ours.
"We also talked about the problems that dog NHS dentistry, which are national, but are particularly serious here in the south west of England.
“Steve reassured me that Honiton Hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit is now on a more secure footing in terms of opening hours, with fewer instances of short-notice closures.”
“We all rely on the NHS being effective at preventing serious illness, as well as stepping-in as a life-saving service.
"I remain concerned about cuts that must be made next year and the ability of the NHS to work effectively at preventing ill-health.
“I will be glad of the wider review of minor injuries services across the county if it results in Honiton Hospital MIU being put on a secure footing for the long-term.
"I like to think that it might result in local people avoiding having to travel into Exeter unnecessarily, which puts additional pressure on the Emergency Department at the RD&E.”
NHS Devon say staff recruitment and retention is now improving.