A South Hams minor injuries unit has been closed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust has closed the Totnes MIU and is now referring anyone with a minor injury to the MIU at Newton Abbot Community Hospital.

The decision has been taken as because the NHS is prioritising its response to the COVID-19 situation as it is struggling to maintain staffing levels at all its hospitals.

A statement on the trust’s website said: “We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause our local communities. Thank you for your understanding at this time and for helping us to ensure we prioritise Torbay Hospital for our very sickest and emergency patients.

“Due to prioritising our emergency services in response to the COVID-19 situation, we are experiencing difficulties in sustaining staffing levels at our Minor Injuries Units (MIU) in Dawlish and Totnes Community Hospitals.

“We are closing Dawlish and Totnes MIUs and referring anyone with a minor injury to the MIU at Newton Abbot Community Hospital.”

The trust had already revised arrangements for visitors to Torbay Hospital, Brixham Community Hospital, Newton Abbot Community Hospital, Dawlish Community Hospital, and Totnes Community Hospital to help protect patients and staff, by reducing both the number of people coming to our hospitals and the risk of spreading the virus.

The new arrangements are for only one visitor at a time per bed, to not visit at all if you have a high temperature or dry cough or similar symptoms, or have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus, advising that children under the age of 16 do not attend hospital to visit a family member/loved one, to make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before and after visiting, and/or use hand gel where available and for Forrest ward (01803 655507), and EAU3 (01803 654035), please phone in advance to agree visiting arrangements.

The minor injuries unit at South Hams hospital in Kingsbridge remains open.