TOWNSPEOPLE with a minor medical problem are urged to use a new, improved service at Faversham Cottage Hospital.

The revamped minor injuries unit, reached via the health centre in Bank Street, can offer advice and assistance on a wide range of medical issues, with the majority patients seen, treated and discharged within an hour, a public meeting was told on Friday.

About 80 people turned out for the meeting in the Alexander Centre in Preston Street, Faversham, to hear Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust director of finance and commissioning David Meikle say: "It is fantastic to see such a large turnout, we were expecting only about 50."

Mr Meikle confirmed the trust was "totally committed to the future of the minor injuries unit", adding that it aimed "to provide high grade services that must be efficient, represent value for money and meet the needs of local people."

The unit was threated with closure a year ago, because too few people were using it, making it uneconomical to run. However, following a public protest, the trust launched a pilot scheme to test an improved service, with fully trained staff. A major publicity campaign and improved access to the unit via the health centre in Bank Street saw an increase in users from 23 to 60 per week.

Full report in the Faversham Times of 4 February