MINOR Injury Units in Tenby and Pembroke Dock have re-opened this week after their temporary three-month closure.

The units were shut by the Hywel Dda Local Health Board because of staffing issues at Withybush Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.

A storm of protest greeted the shock news of the shut-downs, which came at the end of last year, and petitions with more than 4,500 signatures were presented to the health board.

The new opening times for the units are 10am-6pm at Tenby Cottage Hospital, with patients asked to register by 5.30pm, and 1.30pm-9.30pm for the South Pembrokeshire Hospital, Pembroke Dock, with registration by 9pm.

Health campaigners are now hoping that the opening hours will be extended, and will be meeting with health board chief Chris Martin next month to emphasise their case.

The South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network secretary, Caroline Thomas, said: “We are just so glad that the units have opened again, and we welcome our nurses back.

“We will still be working towards getting longer opening hours, and will continue to keep a very close eye on the health board. *People in Pembrokeshire are being reminded to Choose Well during the Easter holiday by being aware of the NHS services available to them.

Evidence shows that a significant number of people still go to hospital emergency departments of dial 999, when there are other services more convenient and suitable for their needs.

The Choose Well campaign uses a colour-coded thermometer to help people link their symptoms with the particular NHS service which is right for their needs.

These range from self care, round-the-clock advice from NHS Direct Wales (0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk), community support from a pharmacist or local voluntary organisation, routine GP care, urgent care through a GP surgery, out-of-hours service or minor injury unit and emergency or 999 support for critical or life-threatening situations.