THE closure of Easingwold’s minor injuries unit will be discussed at a meeting of NHS bosses next week.

Despite concerns from local residents and doctors, NHS North Yorkshire and York looks set to push ahead with its planned closure of three of the county’s minor injury units, including St Monica’s in Easingwold.

In papers released yesterday the trust said: “The provision of minor injury services at the three community hospitals relies on ward staff that are not trained to a level where they can provide minor injury services and work independently of a medical lead.” The trust also said patient visitor numbers are as low as one or two patients a day, on average.

GPs in the area disagree and argued in discussions with health bosses that the typical injuries presented to the community hospital were within the capabilities of nursing staff on the wards. They called for the service in Easingwold to continue.

However, the PCT proposes the commissioning of minor injury services from general practises.

If the plans for closure go ahead, the service at St Monica’s could be closed early in January.

The board meeting of NHS North Yorkshire and York takes place at 10am at the Galtrees Centre in Easingwold on Tuesday.