Situation temporary due to staffing issues, says NHS.

Honiton Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) will continue to operate on a temporary basis from 7.30am to 11pm.

The temporary-night time closure, imposed at the end of June, will continue while staffing issues are assessed.

Only a small number of people are likely to be affected, according to the NHS.

A spokeswoman said the unit typically sees between two and five people a week during the 11pm-7.30am period.

The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust’s director of operations, Kate Lyons, said: “It is essential that we provide an MIU service with appropriately skilled staff which is safe for patients and staff. At the present time, it is necessary for the MIU to remain closed overnight while we further assess the situation.”

Local people will still be able to access 24 hour medical cover via the out-of-hours GP service Devon Doctors, which can arrange to see patients at the community hospital if required, but by appointment only.

Anyone suffering more-serious injury or illness should, as usual, go to A&E at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital or dial ‘999’ for an ambulance.