A plan to reopen Altrincham's Minor Injuries Unit was scrapped this week.

The unit's closure, continuous since the start of the pandemic in 2020 apart from a one-month spell last year, was due to staff shortages.

Earlier this year, the director of strategy at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), Darren Banks, said a review into the service was set to be concluded over the summer.

Once concluded, this review came up with a plan for Altrincham's Minor Injuries Unit to reopen for two days a week from September 2022, then for four days a week from the New Year.

But despite attempts by MFT and NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care to implement these proposals, the partnership said this week unit's closure is to continue for the moment.

On top of staff shortages, the reason is said to be that to reopen the service for two days a week creates 'an inconsistent offer locally'.

Naomi Ledwith, commissioning director for Trafford at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: "We recognise and understand frustrations felt by Altrincham residents and will be working with people in Trafford over the coming months to ensure that urgent care services safely meet the needs of the borough’s population, and those who use its services."

Another review into urgent care services in Trafford is ongoing, after which a decision is to be made on the unit. The provision of outpatient appointments at Altrincham Hospital is unaffected.

In the meantime, people are still able to access the Urgent Treatment Centres at Trafford General and Wythenshawe Hospital.

The MP for Altrincham and Sale West, Sir Graham Brady, is an outspoken supporter of the unit, which he has said is important to relieve pressure on other services.

Approached by The Messenger for a comment on this development, the MP said he was 'deeply disappointed'.

Sir Graham said: "It is deeply disappointing to hear NHS Greater Manchester has backtracked on its decision announced just a few weeks ago.

"Opening the Minor Injuries Unit for two days a week was never satisfactory but made sense in the context of a phased reopening, with more days due to be added in the New Year. I hope to hear urgently from NHS managers how and when they will now restore this invaluable local service."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.