A TRADE unionist has hit out at NHS bosses for continuing to cut opening hours at Burnham-on-Sea's minor injuries unit (MIU) amid ongoing staff shortages.

Burnham's MIU in Love Lane is usually open from 10am until 6pm each day with the last patient being admitted at 5.30pm

But Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said 'ongoing' staff shortages have meant mean there will be closures and restricted opening hours at the unit.

Dave Chapple, a veteran trade unionist from Bridgwater Trades Union Council, said more needs to be done to keep the unit open and urged NHS bosses to take action.

He said: “Somerset people, and in this case Burnham and Highbridge area people, must be sick and tired of different NHS managers using the excuse that they cannot get enough staff to keep a unit fully open.

“Even if demonstrably true, why do all these NHS Trusts up and down the UK suffering staff recruitment problems not combine and form a joined up and powerful protest to the Government that improving the pay and conditions of al NHS Staff must become top of their political agendas right now."

Burnham's MIU has already been temporarily closed a number of times this year and MIU's in Minehead and Shepton Mallet have also been affected.

Dr Matthew Hayman, interim chief medical officer for Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said the trust is working hard to try and attract permanent staff to MIU's and restore normal opening hours at Burnham MIU.

He said: “We are experiencing increasing difficulties in staffing our minor injury units (MIUs) and have to take the difficult decision to restrict the opening hours of some units when we cannot run them safely.

“MIU's that have been affected in recent weeks are those at Burnham-on-Sea, Minehead and Shepton Mallet community hospitals.

"All the other MIUs at Bridgwater, Chard, Frome, and West Mendip community hospitals have been open as normal.

“We know that it is a disappointment and concern to local communities when we need to restrict opening hours on safety grounds and we are doing all we can to keep our normal opening times unaltered.

"This includes working very hard to attract permanent staff and seek short term bank and agency staff to cover shifts.

"Many of our colleagues are also volunteering to work extra shifts, or working in a clinical role, to keep services open.

“When we do need to restrict the opening hours of some units, we notify our NHS partners so that patients who seek advice are given up to date information, post information on our website and on our social media accounts. The minor injury service is one of a number that provide care. "Anyone who is not sure where to go should ring NHS 111 for help and advice, this is accessible 24/7.”