Minor injuries unit shut at Sussex hospital for eight weeks

The minor injuries unit (MIU) at Crowborough War Memorial Hospital in Southview Road shut on Sunday.

The closure will allow staff to support other local NHS services. Some of the staff will move to Uckfield MIU and Lewes Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC).

The remaining services at Crowborough War Memorial Hospital will continue to operate unaffected.

During the time of the closure, patients are being encouraged to call NHS 111 before going to the hospital, and this is where they will receive advice from clinical staff and will be advised on what course of action is best to take.

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Alternatively, they can attend the minor injuries unit at Uckfield Community Hospital instead, which is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Dr Paul Deffley, medical director for East Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Our amazing staff across the local health and care system continue to work together to ensure our communities have access to the care they need.

"This is yet another example of the flexibility of our teams, adapting quickly to support areas that need extra help in these continuing challenging times.

"We are working hard to ensure that Crowborough MIU reopens as soon as it is possible.

"In the meantime, on behalf of the clinical commissioning group, I'd like to thank our health and care professionals for their hard work, adaptability and local people for their patience and understanding."

There is currently no date for when the MIU will reopen at Crowborough, although the closure is expected to last eight weeks. The situation is being regularly reviewed so services can resume as soon as possible.

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Kate Pilcher, chief operating officer at Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We know how important Crowborough MIU is to the local community, and we are committed to reopening it as quickly as possible.

"Temporarily closing the MIU will allow the staff who are usually based there to support other areas of our local NHS that need immediate support and ensure that local people get the care that they need.

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we thank the local community for their understanding.

"We are reviewing the situation regularly and will reopen MIU services in Crowborough as soon as we can."