Llanelli’s Minor Injury Unit consultation ends: Decision looms over future services
The long-running public consultation over the future of the Minor Injury Unit (MIU) at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli has officially wrapped. For twelve weeks, the people of Llanelli weighed in on four potential service models — and whether the MIU should continue operating on limited hours or make a return to full-time care.
Launched on 28 April 2025, the consultation drew 729 formal responses and sparked hundreds of conversations through drop-in events, online sessions, and direct meetings with staff and patients. Community groups such as SOSPPAN and Llais helped drive participation, pushing back against fears of a permanent overnight closure.
The MIU has been open daily from 8am to 8pm since November 2024, treating minor injuries like cuts, grazes, sprains, and fractures. But the late-night shutdown has rattled residents — particularly those without easy transport to emergency departments in Swansea or Carmarthen.
“We’ve heard passionate arguments from all sides,” said Mark Henwood, Executive Medical Director. “Now begins a period of conscientious consideration before we present our report in September.”
Health Board options for Llanelli’s Minor Injury Unit
Option 1: 12-hour doctor-led service
Maintain current MIU hours from 8am to 8pm, with no changes to staffing model.
Option 2: Extend to 14-hour service
Expand daily operations to 14 hours if clinical cover allows, improving evening access.
Option 3: Phased return to 24-hour care
Gradual increase from 12 to 14 to 24 hours, depending on workforce recruitment and retention.
Option 4: Urgent Care Centre model
Redesign the MIU into a 14-hour Urgent Care Centre, combining minor injuries with same-day emergency care and diagnostics.
Community-led proposal:
Campaigners have called for a fifth option — full reinstatement of permanent 24-hour Minor Injury Unit services.
Ongoing public concern
Swansea Bay News has chronicled Llanelli’s fight to protect its services, with residents warning that a downgraded MIU risks life-threatening delays. More than 15,000 people signed a petition to the Senedd urging reinstatement of 24-hour access, while elected officials have described the overnight closure as a betrayal of previous health promises.
Councillor Deryk Cundy, chair of SOSPPAN, told Swansea Bay News:
“Over 6,000 people use the unit overnight every year. That’s thousands of moments where swift care made a difference.”
The unit’s staffing pressures sparked widespread scrutiny last year when the Health Board voted to reduce operating hours, with some residents now calling for full restoration — not just partial compromises.
Acute care remains in place
The consultation does not affect the hospital’s Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU), which continues to provide round-the-clock emergency care for seriously ill adults.
One recent patient praised the AMAU’s swift intervention during a breathing emergency: “Staff didn’t hesitate. I walked in, and minutes later I was hooked up and stabilised.”
What comes next?
The Health Board says all community feedback — including alternative suggestions — will be analysed before a final recommendation goes to its public September Board meeting. Until then, walk-in care at the MIU continues between 8am and 8pm, with NHS 111 and 999 services available for overnight needs.
Related articles
Final days to have your say on future of Llanelli’s Minor Injury Unit
A last-minute reminder urging residents to submit feedback before the public consultation closed.
Board agrees temporary overnight closure of Minor Injury Unit in Llanelli
Background on the Health Board’s original decision to reduce MIU hours in November 2024.
Prince Philip Hospital campaigners take petition to Senedd
Coverage of SOSPPAN’s campaign to restore full MIU services, supported by thousands of signatures.
Councillor warns against further service losses in Llanelli
Cllr Deryk Cundy voices fears over long-term erosion of healthcare provision in the town.
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