Maidenhead & Windsor

The Royal Borough has underlined its 'total and unequivocal' support for the minor injuries unit (MIU) at St Mark's Hospital, Maidenhead, and issued a further call to NHS Berkshire East to keep it open.

The Windsor and Maidenhead move follows news that the primary care trust (PCT) has looked at six options for the unit but has deferred a final decision until its board meeting on 22 March.

The unit, opened last year on a trial basis, has been strongly backed by the council, local residents and Maidenhead MP Theresa May but there are fears that, despite this support, it will close its doors.

Cllr Simon Dudley, the Windsor and Maidenhead council's lead member for adult and community services, said: "The MIU is very much valued by the local community and has been stoutly defended by a huge number of residents, along with the council and the Maidenhead MP.

"The strength of local feeling must be taken into account by the PCT and we call on the board when they meet in March to make the facility permanent so that it can continue to provide this excellent service to local people."

Public opinion in support of the MIU has included local petitions and campaigns, a unanimous motion from Windsor and Maidenhead council in September and the 'total and unequivocal' support of the Royal Borough on Monday (25 January) through its adult and community services and health overview and scrutiny panel.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead