Sheppey's minor injuries unit will shut at 5pm for most of the week until more staff are recruited.

The move, which means Islanders and holidaymakers will be directed eight miles away to Sittingbourne's Memorial Hospital, has angered locals.

The Sheppey unit at the community hospital in Plover Road, Minster, remains open from 9am to 9pm on Mondays and Fridays, but will be closing at 5pm for the rest of the week because of staff shortages.

One man, who tried to use the service on Saturday evening, was furious at being sent away.

He said: “I can’t believe once again that Sheppey’s hospital is being shut of an evening. It’s a ludicrous situation especially at this time of year, which is peak holiday time.

“At weekends it is even more important to have the unit open for its full hours because that’s when most people will be visiting.

“If there are 400 chalets at one of the Island’s holiday parks, most of those will have three or more people, which equates to an extra 1,200 people and that’s just on one site.”

A spokesman for the Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust (PCT) said the trust is making efforts to recruit extra staff.

He added: “A decision to close a Minor Injuries Unit in these circumstances is only made in the interests of patient safety to prevent any patient being put at risk.”

Patients needing to see a Doctor or other healthcare professional after 6.30pm can call South East Health Ltd on 0845 4349655.