THE controversial weekend closure of Malton Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) looks certain to be reversed following the latest meeting of the region’s NHS bosses.

The governing body of NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) met yesterday to rubber-stamp proposals that the MIU should reopen during weekends.

In November last year, the outgoing primary care trust for the area announced plans to close the MIU on evenings and at weekends in response to what was described as a “worsening financial deficit”.

However, an outcry from patients and local politicians saw the CCG yesterday agree to reopen the unit on weekends, though it will close during evenings, when fewer people use it.

Simon Cox, accountable officer for the CCG, said: “We feel this proposal responds to the concerns raised by local residents whilst still helping our CCG to make essential cost savings.

“The feedback from patients has largely focused on the closure of the MIU at weekends.

“Coupled with our evidence that the MIU is well used during the day at weekends, we feel it is important that we look at ways to reinstate the service at these times.”

The way the MIU is staffed may also change, said the CCG, with more GP-led services in the mornings and specialist nurse-led service in the afternoon.

Following yesterday’s meeting, a spokesman for the CCG said: “The paper was passed so it means the new proposal is approved.

“It will now be taken out to public engagement.”

A series of public consultations will now take place throughout Ryedale, from March 4, including a meeting in Malton, though precise dates have yet to be announced.