SUPPORTERS of the minor injuries unit at Dawlish Hospital say they have ‘heard it all before’ following claims that it may be due to reopen.

The Friends of Dawlish Hospital launched a campaign several months ago calling for the unit, which has been closed for more than four years, to be reopened.

Now, MP Anne Marie Morris has said she was given assurances that the unit will reopen as a nurse has been appointed.

But Friends chairman Geoff King says he has not been informed of any staffing announcements.

He said: ‘We’ve heard it all before and there is nothing being said that gives me confidence something will happen.’

Mr King pointed out that more than one nurse would be required to ensure the unit could effectively open.

Their campaign to Bring Back Dawlish MIU has attracted almost 200 responses.

Many have given testimony about struggles to access ‘appropriate’ healthcare since the unit closed.

MP Ms Morris has said she was ‘pleased’ to have been given ‘assurance that the Dawlish MIU will reopen with the appointment of the nurse needed’.

She said: ‘While bookings can be made in accordance with new guidance, people can still walk in to be treated without an appointment.’

Last month, the Friends stated they had been made aware of ‘rumours’ being circulated that the unit would be reopening.

These had come from a meeting of Dawlish Town Council where a representative of the Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust discussed plans for the future of the MIU at Dawlish.

A spokesman for the Friends said: ‘It should be noted that no dates were given for the re-opening and the report was very much about ‘work in progress’.

‘Whilst recognising her personal commitment to a positive outcome, there were no assurances of success.

‘We have heard similar comments in the past which have come to nothing and so our campaign continues.’

A spokesperson for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘We remain committed to reopening Dawlish MIU. We have had a recent successful round of recruitment and are working through the necessary processes.

‘At this time we are not in a position to offer a reopening date, but we will inform the local community once we are in a position to do so.’