People urged to visit minor injuries units
PEOPLE with injuries that require medical attention are being urged to visit minor injuries units ( MIUs) in a bid to reduce A& E waiting times.
Attending an MIU for cuts and wounds, minor burns, sprains, bites, and other minor head and nose injuries will ensure that patients are seen faster while easing the queues at A& Es across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde ( NHSGGC) facilities.
MIU staff can treat a vast range of injuries and patients can contact NHS24 on 111 to receive an emergency video, phone or face- to- face appointment if they require.
Most patients who go to an MIU are seen within four hours and those opting to access the virtual A& E usually receive a consultation within the hour.
There are three dedicated MIUs in the area: New Stobhill Hospital, New Victoria Hospital and the Vale of Leven Hospital.
William Edwards, chief operating officer at NHSGGC, said: “If you have an accident resulting in a minor injury, do not go to A& E.
“You will be seen faster and more appropriately by our specialist MIU teams.
“To make things even quicker, if you’ve had an injury and you contact NHS24 on 111 first, you could receive an emergency consultation over the phone or via video directly with an advanced nurse practitioner who can then schedule an appointment at your nearest MIU.
“This means you’ll avoid A& E altogether, receive fast and appropriate treatment and help us protect A& E services for those who need them the most.”
People are advised to visit an MIU if they have any of the following injuries:
•Cuts and wounds ( including those that may need stitches)
•Mi■or burns and scalds
•Sprai■s, minor injuries or broken bones – in legs below the knee, and arms below the shoulder
•I■sect bites or other animal bites
•Teta■us immunisation after an injury
•Mi■or head injury – where there has been no loss of consciousness or vomiting, and no residual symptoms ie headache, nausea, visual disturbance, dizziness or any other symptom of concussion
•Remova• of foreign bodies from eyes, nose or ears
•Nose injuries and broken noses
•Remova• of rings, earrings and studs