If your injury is not serious get help from a minor injuries unit (MIU) rather than an A&E department. By doing so you allow A&E staff to concentrate on people with serious and life-threatening conditions and save yourself a potentially long wait.
There are currently 225 minor injuries units in England. MIUs are usually nurse-led services and an appointment is not necessary.
Search for your local minor injuries unit on NHS Choices by selecting the find services option.
Minor injuries units can treat:
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Wound infections
- Minor burns and scalds
- Minor head injuries
- Insect and animal bites
- Minor eye injuries
- Injuries to back, shoulder and chest
Minor injuries units cannot treat:
- Children under the age of three
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Major injuries
- Problems usually dealt with by a GP
- Stomach pains
- Gynaecological problems
- Pregnancy problems
- Allergic reactions
- Overdoses
- Alcohol related problems
- Mental health problems
- Conditions likely to require hospital admission
