Published: November 30, 2007
Winter opening hours in operation at Burnham-On-Sea hospital

Winter opening hours have come into operation for members of the public seeking treatment for minor injuries or ailments at Burnham-on-Sea War Memorial Hospital.

During the summer months the hospital’s Minor Injury Unit (MIU) extends its opening hours to support the increased demand caused by visiting holiday makers.

However, from November through until March, the facility is only open from 11am in the morning until three pm in the afternoon.

Sian Teal, Somerset Primary Care Trust’s Hospital and Nursing Services Manager explained: "We have had a few members of the public come to Burnham Hospital’s MIU outside the seasonal opening hours. Whilst we are able to help people with minor injuries it is important to remember that the hospital’s MIU does not have an X-ray facility and is not able to supply prescriptions or lost medicines. These need to be obtained from your local GP surgery."

The advice to members of the public seeking treatment for a minor injury is still to first ask yourself if you genuinely need urgent treatment? With very minor ailments you might find it is quicker to treat yourself or seek advice from your local pharmacist. If health information or advice is needed, 24-hour help is available from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

If you able to travel to another Minor Injury Unit, Bridgwater Community Hospital, Salmon Parade in Bridgwater has opening hours of 7am – 11pm every day and can be reached on 01278 451501; or Weston Casualty Department at Weston General Hospital in Uphill Road is open 24 hours a day on 01934 636363.

If you become ill after your GP surgery has closed and need urgent medical advice call the Somerset Out-of-Hours Medical Emergency Service on 0845 408 8000. If you or a relative has a life-threatening illness or injury, call 999 for an ambulance.