The future of the Llanelli Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Prince Philip Hospital is currently under scrutiny, with four potential options being presented for consideration. The unit, which previously operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, was temporarily scaled back to operating between 8am and 8pm in response to concerns about patient safety and staff well-being. Following a period of public consultation and workshops with stakeholders, the Hywel Dda University Health Board has put forth four options for the unit’s future opening hours. These options include variations of doctor-led services and urgent care models.
The Health Board acknowledges that bringing back 24-hour care to the unit would require a significant recruitment effort, as the necessary nursing and medical workforce is currently unavailable. Therefore, the Board has proposed a phased approach to gradually extend the unit’s operating hours based on the four finalised options. These options range from a 12-hour doctor-led unit to a 14-hour urgent care centre based on a same-day urgent care model. The aim is to ensure that patients who require treatment towards the end of operating hours can still receive care.
Despite efforts to address staffing challenges and enhance clinical sustainability, the Health Board has concluded that it is not feasible to resume 24/7 operations at the MIU at this time. Patient attendance at the unit has decreased since the nightly closure was implemented, while the Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU) continues to receive a consistent number of patients for medical emergencies. The Board has decided to continue operating the MIU under temporary 12-hour measures until a sustainable long-term operating model is determined.
Moving forward, a formal 12-week public consultation will be initiated to gather feedback on the four shortlisted options for the MIU’s future hours of operation. The Health Board aims to make a final decision on the unit’s opening hours at the September meeting, marking a year since the temporary reduction in service hours was implemented. Chair of Hywel Dda, Neil Wooding, emphasised the importance of setting a clear timeline for decision-making and communicating intentions to the community transparently.
It is essential for healthcare providers to balance service delivery with staffing constraints and patient safety considerations. The ongoing evaluation of the MIU’s operating hours reflects a commitment to ensuring that healthcare services in Llanelli meet the needs of the community effectively. By engaging with stakeholders and the public, the Health Board seeks to make informed decisions that prioritise both patient care and workforce sustainability.
As the consultation process unfolds, input from residents, healthcare professionals, and community organisations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Llanelli Minor Injuries Unit. The outcome of this deliberation will have a lasting impact on the accessibility and quality of urgent care services available to individuals in the region. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation process and contribute their perspectives to support the development of a robust and sustainable healthcare service delivery model for Llanelli.