BURNHAM Hospital’s minor injuries unit is thriving after its opening hours were extended earlier this year, according to one of the service’s key consultants.

The hours at Burnham-on-Sea War Memorial Hospital were increased in January because of increasing demand and to combat the loss of Weston General night service.

The hospital has also opened an additional three beds to take on some of the strain resulting from the temporary closure of Shepton Mallet’s inpatient beds at the start of this month.

Mike Paynter, consultant nurse for the minor injuries service, said: “At Burnham-onSea we have increased the hours and that has seen a significant increase in users.

“Weston General has lost its night service over the summer, so the extended hours at Burnham is resulting in an increase in patients from the Weston area.

“The waiting time is only 40 minutes across all our units compared to two hours at hospitals elsewhere.”

The news came as Somerset’s health services announced they are well-prepared for winter, along with some advice to help people to help themselves.

The first is making sure that vulnerable groups, such as children, elderly people, and pregnant women, have their flu jab.

The other two focus points are ensuring you are stocked up on necessary medication, and knowing which facility is best to deal with your injury or illness.

Mr Paynter said: “Clearly there is not the infrastructure of an intensive care unit, but certainly those walking injured or wounded should be using their local minor injuries unit.

“It is an illness service as well as an injury service. A lot of people don’t appreciate that.”