YESTERDAY saw the minor injuries unit at Andover War Memorial Hospital close overnight for the first time as major changes to the way Andover patients access health services kicked in.

From last night the unit no longer provides a 24 hour service and will close every night between 10.30pm and 8.30am.

Health chiefs point to the low number of patients attending the minor injuries unit - on average fewer than three people a night.

But changes have also been forced because of the decision by GPs to withdraw out-of-hours cover between 6.30pm and 8am, following their new contract which allows opt out.

This means that the Mid Hampshire Primary Care Trust is responsible for providing health care services during these hours.

A spokeswoman for Winchester and Eastleigh NHS Trust said new arrangements were 'still very comprehensive' offering home visits, booked evening appointments and full access to the accident and emergency unit at Winchester.

But she apologised for any confusion that may have been caused in the run up to the changeover.

She said: "Both trusts know that change can be unsettling and we are sorry for any confusion.

"But we hope that once people get used to the new system they will see that the service is safe and comprehensive."

Apart from the emergency 999 call system, which remains unchanged, patients should contact the out-of-hours service on 0845 601 8803 or via their normal GP surgery number.

Details of patients assessed as needing urgent healthcare will be passed to a local communications hub, where staff will make appointments for patients to be seen in a Primary Care Centre or at their home.

Two such centres have now opened - one at the minor injuries unit at Andover, where booked appointments will be made for between 7pm and 9.30pm the following day on weekdays. There will also be sessions at weekends and bank holidays.

The second Primary Care Centre is in the fracture clinic at the Royal Hampshire County Hosp-ital in Winchester.

For patients who need a home visit there will be a minimum of two GP cars on call in the Mid Hampshire area.

The trusts say this is based on expected need, but there will be other GPs, GP registrars and nurses from nearby who will be available if required.

But they stress that in an emergency or if patients are in too much pain or discomfort they should go to the A&E department at Winchester, using the 999 ambulance service if necessary.