The Trust closed Ilfracombe and Bideford MIUs at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

We understand that the temporary closure of Bideford and Ilfracombe MIUs causes concern and anxiety for local residents. We would like to reassure our towns and communities that the Trust is committed to providing local urgent care services within Northern Devon.

We have been working closely with the Integrated Care System for Devon to find alternative interim ways of providing local healthcare services.

To support local residents and visitors in North Devon to access urgent care more easily, we're pleased to confirm that the weekend MIU service put in place over the summer in Ilfracombe will be continuing through to March 2023.

Until 31 March 2023, the following will be in place:

• A weekend minor injury service (Friday to Monday) will be provided from 10am to 6pm by two fully-qualified private ambulance staff at the Tyrrell Hospital in Ilfracombe. This will be available for both walk-ins and patients referred through NHS 111.
• Also available is ongoing interim GP support to provide a minor injury service (Monday to Friday) in the GP practices nearest the MIUs that are temporarily closed in Ilfracombe and Bideford. Although these do accept walk-in patients it will be based on capacity and we ask that people call NHS 111 or call ahead to the GP practice first. You may be directed to a more appropriate service for your needs to ensure you get the correct treatment at the right time.

In a life-threatening emergency, people in Northern Devon should attend the main emergency department at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) or call 999.