A NEW company will today take over the running of Rossendale Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).

In a decision earlier this year, East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group awarded the contract to run the centre to Thornton-based Coastal Health Care Ltd.

The unit, based within Rossendale Primary Healthcare Centre in Rawtenstall, has been funded on a trial basis since April 2012 and run by East Lancashire Medical Services (ELMS), a non-profit organisation of local GPs.

ELMS did not bid to continue providing the service, but said the unit’s staff will join Coastal Health.

The hours and services at the unit will remain the same, providing care for injuries such as sprains, minor burns, stings and minor cuts.

Dr Tom Mackenzie, GP lead for Rossendale, said: “Under NHS procurement rules it meant we had to put the service out to tender and Coastal Health Care Ltd was appointed.

“On behalf of the CCG I’d like to take this opportunity to thank East Lancashire Medical Services for all their effort and commitment in setting up the service.

“They have provided without a doubt a much valued and excellent service over the last two years, and have contributed enormously to the success of the MIU.”