Many local people with minor injuries automatically head for the Emergency Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. But did you know you can often be seen and treated more quickly at the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Stirling Community Hospital? This also frees up staff in the Emergency Department to treat patients with more serious injuries who require immediate care.
NHS Forth Valley’s MIU is staffed by emergency nurse practitioners who can provide treatment for a wide range of minor injuries including minor burns and scalds, infected wounds, sprains, cuts and grazes. Staff can also examine and treat minor injuries to the eye, ear, head and neck areas and can arrange X-rays for suspected broken bones.
Although the unit is based in Stirling, it offers treatment to patients over the age of one from across Forth Valley. No appointment is necessary and the MIU is open 7 days a week from 9am – 9pm. Babies under 12 months old with minor injuries should be taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
To find out more about the NHS Forth Valley Minor Injuries Unit visit http://www.nhsforthvalley.com/miu
In summary:
The Minor Injuries Unit can treat:-
minor burns and scalds
infected wounds
sprains and strains
cuts and grazes
minor eye injuries
minor ear injuries (not infections)
minor head and neck injuries
suspected broken bones (staff can arrange X-rays and apply plaster, if required)
It can’t treat
minor illnesses (including coughs, colds, sore throats)
back or hip injuries
babies aged under the age of one
injuries which happened several days ago
old injuries which have recently got worse
If you are unsure whether you should attend the Minor Injuries Unit, then call first on 01786 434036 to check with local staff.
Elsbeth Campbell
The Wee Vine 