Two hospital minor injury units are now closed at night as part of a shake-up of services.

Health bosses say the units at Crowborough War Memorial Hospital and Uckfield Community Hospital are hardly used after 10pm.

Instead the units are being expanded at both hospitals during the day so more people can use them.

Both units are staffed by experienced nurses and emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs) who can treat a range of minor injuries and health problems, dispense certain medication and order X-rays.

The new opening hours are 8am to 8pm at Crowborough and 8am to 10pm at Uckfield, when there is most demand.

Leaflets giving information about both units, including the new opening times, have been distributed to thousands of people across East Sussex.

Injuries and ailments treated at the walk-in units range from asthma, animal bites, cuts and bruises, minor burns and insect bites to removing objects from eyes, ears and noses, changing dressings and taking out stitches.

People do not need an appointment and can telephone for advice during opening hours if they are unsure where to go.

The changes bring both hospitals in line with the unit at Lewes Victoria Hospital, which is also only open during the day.

All three hospitals are managed by Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Community hospitals manager Eva Merry said: "Having qualified ENPs working in both units means we can treat more people for a wider range of injuries and health problems, saving many from having to travel further afield to other hospitals."

The plan for the two units was approved by the PCT and supported by GPs, the Friends of both hospitals and Eastbourne, Seaford and Wealden Community Health Council.

PCT chief executive Fiona Henniker said: "We are all keen to encourage appropriate use of the units as part of our objective to provide more health services locally."

For information about the Uckfield unit, call 01825 769999 ext 5062 and for the Crowborough unit, call 01892 603100.