Increase in injuries at Vicky

Staff at the MIU are pleased people are using the service.

The reason for their glee is not some kind of misanthropic state of mind within the caring profession, it has more to do with where they are being treated.

It’s four years since the new hosptal opened its doors and it seems that people needing treatment for minor injuries are opting for the new hospital rather than clogging up the Infirmary’s A&E unit.

MIU Emergency Nurse Practitioner John Cowie has worked at the new unit since it opened.

John said: “We are very proud of the fast, quality service that we offer and are delighted that more and more southsiders are continuing to attend our unit.

“It also means that more and more people are accessing our services appropriately which is very important, particularly as the Victoria Infirmary A&E will close in 2015 when a new A&E for the whole of the southside will open at the New South Glasgow Hospitals campus on the site of the existing Southern General.”

The minor injuries unit is open from 9am till 9pm and targets patients who are injured or ill but do now need to go to A&E.

John continued: “We treat adults and children five years and over for a range of injuries including bone sprains and fractures; minor head and neck injuries; cuts and grazes incuding stitching; infected wounds; eye and ear injuries; minor burns and scalds and assess minor injuries and refer patients to specialists if required.”

The minor injuries unit has treated in excess 80,000 people over the four years it has been open — with the number increasing year on year.

NHSGGC director of emergency care and medicine Anne Harkness said: “The MIU is an important service that offers patients an alternative to A&E.

“The service is there to ensure anyone who has suffered a relatively minor injury, such as a bone fracture or someone who needs stitches, is seen quickly by qualified staff.

“I am pleased that so many people in the community are using services for unscheduled care appropriately, freeing up A&E departments to look after those who are more seriously unwell.

“There are some instances, however, where people are still presenting at A&E when in actual fact their symptoms or condition could easily be managed at an MIU.

“I would therefore urge those who haven’t tried an MIU to use it as an alternative to going to A&E if their condition requires urgent assessment but is less serious.”