An in-demand new minor injuries service launched at the start of July for Seaton and the surrounding villages is already considering recruiting more staff if patient numbers continue.
Seaton & Colyton Medical Practice, in Harepath Road, Seaton, announced it was opening a new minor injuries unit at the start of the month for registered and non-registered patients.
Within weeks of opening the service has been used regularly, treating around four patients each day with injuries such as lacerations, burns, insect and animal bites.
The popularity of the service has prompted Practice Manager Juliet Rudkin to consider bringing in more staff to cope with the demand.
She said: “We have had a really positive response from the public. They have been delighted to see such a local service. We have also been surprised at the demand with most days running at three to four injuries a day.
“The injuries vary from lacerations to burns to insect and animal bites. Some have been minor and some more major and a very few of those we have had to pass on to hospital care.
“I did think that the service may be popular since it can be hard to travel to Honiton especially if you don’t have a car. Also, we have a number of nurseries and schools in and around the Seaton area.”
The first patient through the door had a head injury and was examined by Dr Stone
Photo: Seaton & Colyton Medical Practice.
The first patient through the door was a young girl with a head injury from running into the edge of coffee table.
“She was seen by Dr Stone within minutes of her arrival and thoroughly checked over,” said the practice manager. “She subsequently made a full recovery with parents very much reassured.”
The practice manager said the doctors and staff were proud to be able to open the minor injuries unit and were already looking to give the service a boost.
Pictured here is a paramedic examining a patient at the minor injuries unit. Photo: Seaton & Colyton Medical Practice.
She said: “I am so pleased that we have been able to offer this facility in our local area. If the demand continues, it is likely that we will seek to recruit another clinical team member to ensure a more streamlined service which would be really good since it would improve our capacity for other medical demands too.”
The service is for minor injuries only that have occurred within a 48-hour window. It is not set up for illness or long-term conditions.
Patients with minor injuries can access treatment during normal practice weekday opening hours.
Seaton & Colyton Medical Practice has opened a new minot=r injuries unit for registered and non-registered patients from the town and surrounding areas. Photo: Seaton & Colyton Medical Practice.
The unit is not open at weekends or bank holidays, and cannot offer an X-ray service.
Patients with suspected fractures or more serious injuries must go to Honiton Hospital minor injury unit or A&E at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
The reception area at Seaton & Colyton Medical Practice. Photo: Seaton & Colyton Medical Practice.
Practice manager Juliet said: “Seaton and Colyton Medical Practice has long sought to expand local urgent care provision in Seaton.
‘Since taking on the role of practice manager three years ago, efforts have been ongoing to explore ways of delivering a local minor injuries service. Despite strong community need and the presence of a community-built hospital in Seaton, suitable hospital space was not available to support this initiative.”
As well as a new treatment room, there is a fully-equipped clinical preparation and storage area, made possible after Howdens Joinery donated free kitchen units and materials.
Practice manager Juliet said: “Following engagement with the Integrated Care Board, approval was finally granted for the practice to deliver the service from its own premises.
“As existing clinical rooms are already in high demand, additional funding and support were secured to convert back-office space into a new clinical treatment room.”
