Minor injury units

Summary of services provided at this hospital

The Minor Injury Units (MIUs) are staffed by experienced nurses and patients that attend one of the units will be assessed and treated as quickly as possible. If your condition cannot be dealt with at the Minor Injuries Unit, then you will be referred to your GP or nearest Accident and Emergency department (A&E) or to another appropriate service.

The Minor Injuries Units offer treatment to anyone with a minor injury. There is no age limit.

This is a walk-in service and you do not need to be referred or to make an appointment, but please note the Minor Injuries Units are not open 24 hours.

Your GP or other healthcare professionals may refer you to the MIU, and some patients are brought into the units by the ambulance service.

Specific services offered

Staff at the Minor Injuries Units treat:

• Bites, human and animal
• Cuts and lacerations
• Foreign bodies in the eyes, nose and ears
• Fractures that require plaster only
• Minor burns and scalds
• Minor head injuries (with no loss of consciousness)
• Soft tissue injuries, for example sprains and bruises
• Wound infections

The people we see

The MIUs see all patients with minor injuries, such as those listed above. There are no age limits, and you do not have to be a resident in Shropshire to use the facilities.

Patient referral process

This is a self-referral service for people requiring treatment for minor injuries. This means that you do not need an appointment to come to the service. Just come to any of the MIUs during the opening times.

Please note, the MIUs do not operate 24 hours a day. If the units are closed, please call Shropdoc or NHS Direct on the contact numbers opposite,

What to bring with you to a clinic or overnight hospital stay

If at all possible please bring any regular medications you are taking with you to the minor injuries unit. It may be useful for a friend or family member to accompany you.

Information for patients and visitors

The units are staffed by experienced nurses and you will be assessed and treated in accordance with the Trust's treatment protocols.

There are no age restrictions on the specific services offered.

Leaflets regarding injuries and self care are provided to patients on discharge from the minor unjuries unit.

Services we do not offer

We do not see patients suffering from the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Alcohol-related problems
• Breathing problems
• Chest pain
• Drug overdose
• Gynaecology problems
• Health conditions usually treated by a GP
• Mental health problems

If you have any of the above conditions you should contact your GP, NHS Direct or, if it is a life-threatening injury or situation, then call for an ambulance by dialling 999.

Frequently asked questions

What can I come to minor injuries units with?

• Bites, human and animal
• Cuts and lacerations
• Foreign bodies in the eyes, nose and ears
• Fractures that require plaster only
• Minor burns and scalds
• Minor head injuries (with no loss of consciousness)
• Soft tissue injuries, for example sprains and bruises
• Wound infections

Do I need to be referred?

No, this is a walk in (self-referral) service.