Minor Injury Unit Upgrade Completed at St Austell Community Hospital

What took just seven months has completely changed the patient experience

A major upgrade to the Minor Injury Unit (MIU) at St Austell Community Hospital has been completed just seven months after the plans were first drawn up.

The revamped facility, which now includes more space, modern equipment and a calming environment, marks a significant step forward for the hospital’s urgent care offering. The refurbishment was first planned in October 2024, making the rapid turnaround all the more impressive.

Bigger, brighter and better equipped

The upgraded MIU now features a dedicated waiting area with seating for up to 30 people, three treatment rooms and two bays which can take up to four beds at a time.

Margaret West, matron at St Austell Community Hospital, called the transformation “fantastic” and said it was something she had dreamed of for many years.

“To be able to relocate our very small and cramped MIU to a better place. This is such a boost for us. For our patients, and the team,” said Margaret.

“The unit has such a calming influence. It feels calm. There’s space. It’s light. It’s airy and we have lots of new equipment.”

Designed with patients in mind

The new design includes three private treatment rooms for situations that need isolation or privacy, a separate triage room and areas to treat children away from the main bays.

“We could do our plastering in there. And if somebody needs something more private than an open bay then we’ve got that space,” said Margaret. “The waiting area designated to the MIU is a huge bonus to us.”

The revamped space even includes a large image of Mevagissey in reception to help patients feel more welcome when they arrive.

“You want to make people feel welcome when they arrive and comfortable. That first impression can make all the difference,” she added.

A model for the future

St Austell’s new-look MIU is already being seen as a potential model for how future urgent treatment centres could look.

“If we want to develop, we are looking at urgent treatment centres for the future,” said Margaret. “That’s something you could accommodate somewhere like here. We’ve got the space, and we’ve got the facilities within that space.”

A real team effort

Margaret praised the teamwork and planning that made the transformation possible with minimal disruption.

“There was a lot of hard work and a lot of planning. From the outside looking in it was a seamless transition,” she said.

Project manager Ross Talling worked closely with the team, while others including Tracy Rogers (head of security), Liam Button (infection prevention and control lead practitioner), Jane Thomas (operations manager), Steve Dawson (project manager) and Tom Lilleyman (associate director, estates and facilities) were all credited for their contributions.

Margaret also singled out David Tregonning, team leader, for his proactive support from day one.

“There have been lots of people involved,” said Margaret. “I will also be eternally grateful for them going with our plan to make this such a better place.”

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