Public to have say on four options for MIU

A PUBLIC consultation on four options for the future of the Minor Injuries Unit at Llanelli’s Prince Philip Hospital will launch on Monday, April 28.

- IAN LEWIS

The 12-week consultation by Hywel Dda University Health Board will run until July 22, with events being held in the community and online.

A questionnaire will be available for people to share their views and there will also be focus groups and meetings with community groups and stakeholders.

The Minor Injury Unit at Prince Philip Hospital provides treatment for minor injuries such as cuts, sprains and minor burns.

Under four shortlisted proposals for the unit’s future opening hours, a return to around-the-clock care would only happen in phases, Hywel Dda University Health Board has said.

The unit operated around the clock, seven days a week, before health bosses decided last September to close it between 8pm and 8am for a period of six months, starting from November 1, in response to concerns about patient safety and staff wellbeing following a report by Health Inspectorate Wales in the summer of 2023.

Last month, health board bosses at their monthly meeting made clear that the unit cannot currently return to running 24 hours a day due to staffing issues.

It was agreed that from May 1, the MIU will continue running as it is now under the temporary measures for 12 hours a day between 8am and 8pm.

Hywel Dda University Board is consulting with staff, the local community and stakeholders, from Monday, on four proposed options for the future of the service.

They are:

■ Option 1 - Doctor-led 12 hours (current temporary model);