A REVIEW into the practices of Yate Minor Injury Unit is set to go ahead.

The site, which is managed by Sirona care and health, introduced a new closure system earlier this year, shutting the doors when the service gets too busy.

They have said it will help make sure the unit meets “the national standard” of seeing people within four hours, but the decision has been criticised by local councillors, who believe that “turning people away” will only add pressure on other NHS services.

The recommendation for a review, made by Cllr Sue Hope at South Gloucestershire Council’s health overview and scrutiny committee last Friday, called for the South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to review the MIU service in order to meet growing demand.

A vote followed the motion put forward by Lib Dem Cllr Hope, which proved successful, but only due to six Conservative councillors choosing to abstain, while the other two voted against, losing to the five votes from Lib Dem and Labour members.

“I was amazed when the Conservatives refused to support our resolution,” said Cllr Hope, “particularly as health colleagues at the meeting had already said that they were happy to review the MIU service and report back to the committee.

“I brought this recommendation in response to the current three month trial at Yate MIU under which patients are being turned away during the day when the service becomes too busy. We believe that this is a bad policy, which had led to confusion and dismay among patients.

“I’m pleased that the resolution was passed with the help of Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors.”

A second resolution, calling on the CCG to review its communication strategy to the public to make themselves clearer, was also put forward by Cllr Hope, which again was passed, with seven in favour and six abstentions.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Marian Lewis, the Conservative lead on the committee, said: “Whilst we agree that the MIU clearly has issues that need looking at we didn’t feel it needed yet another request for a review, when it is clear in the reports from both the CCG and Sirona that they are aware of the situation and it is already under review.

“The MIU is not a 24-hour service and as such the doors have to close at some point, and that unfortunately does mean having to turn patients away who can’t be seen in time.”

She added: “It is, however, important to note this only affected 4.5 per cent of the MIU’s opening hours in the last year.

“Evidence from the reports shows an overwhelming majority of people are very satisfied with the service they receive at the MIU.

“That said I would welcome proposals from the CCG to extend the opening hours to help increase capacity if they are able to do so as part of the ongoing review of the Minor Injuries Unit service.”

The South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will now report back on both resolutions at a future session of the scrutiny committee.

A South Gloucestershire CCG spokesman said that both issues raised by the Lib Dem councillors are already incorporated into their work plan for this year, which they will be providing further updates about to councillors.

The spokesman said: “Details of all local urgent care services including the practice-based minor injuries service are available to view on the CCG’s website.

“Residents can also find information in our ‘Right Care First Time’ booklets, which are available from pharmacies, GPs and other community locations throughout South Gloucestershire.”