TOTNES Minor Injuries Unit will be closed today and tomorrow (Monday and Tuesday February 6 and 7) due to strike action.

The NHS in England is carrying out its biggest-ever round of NHS strikes this week amid an ongoing dispute over pay and staffing.

The MIU at Totnes Hospital will be closed on both days, and is due to reopen again on Wednesday February 8, says the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.

The urgent treatment centre at Newton Abbot will be open, but at the reduced hours of 9am to 5pm on both days. It will be open from 8am to 8pm on Wednesday February 8.

The trust says it is “committed to keeping disruption to a minimum” on the strike days and urges patients to continue to attend their appointments unless they hear from the NHS.

In a statement, the trust advised: “Please continue to call 999 or visit our Emergency Department if you have a life-threatening emergency.

 “Please be aware that our hospitals, like the wider NHS and local health and care system, are really busy. If you have a minor illness or minor injury, local GP surgeries and pharmacies are open.

“If you have an urgent medical problem that isn’t an emergency and aren’t sure what to do, contact 111 first by phone or online – they will provide immediate medical advice and direct you to the best care for your needs.”