Royal Alexandra Hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit has been relocated to help improve patient flow and ensure people get the right care in the right place.
Previously, all patients arriving at the hospital’s A&E would be triaged in the emergency department and then wait in the same area.
However, a dedicated MIU with its own waiting area has now been set up close to the A&E.
The change means those requiring treatment for minor injuries such as cuts that need stitches, minor burns, sprains and some broken bones will be seen in a separate MIU area, leaving the emergency department free to deal with those who have the most urgent and life threatening conditions.
Anyone who thinks they need help from the MIU should contact NHS 24 on 111 to get a scheduled appointment.
One patient, who recently attended the RAH MIU for a gym-related injury, told of the “excellent and compassionate care” they received there.
A post published on the independent Care Opinion feedback platform said: “I was treated quickly, but also given a thorough investigation which ensured my injury was not more significant than it appeared.
“It’s never nice having to receive medical care, but I couldn’t have had a better experience and I am grateful for this.”
Another patient said they experienced “very little wait time” at the hospital’s MIU, and described staff there as “professional and caring”.
Yvonne McDowall, Clinical Service Manager for Emergency Care and Medical Services at the RAH, said: “Our MIU has recently relocated to help provide a better environment for patients, while also improving the efficiency of our emergency department.
“The MIU allows people with minor injuries to wait to be seen in a separate, often calmer area, and it means we can ensure patients are getting the right care in the right place.
“We would encourage anyone who thinks they may need treatment at our MIU to continue to contact NHS 24 on 111 to allow a scheduled appointment to be booked for them and reduce the time they may have to wait.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has appealed for people to ‘Be aware’ of alternatives to A&E unless their condition is very urgent or life threatening.
There is help for many conditions right on your doorstep, with your local GP, pharmacy, dentist and optician offering a range of services.
If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure where to go, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
Care Opinion is a national resource that gathers feedback anonymously and shares it with NHS services so they can pass on positive feedback and learn from any instances where levels of care may fall short of expectations.
It is one of a number of ways feedback can be shared with NHSGGC, and as well as being valuable in helping to inform the care staff deliver, it also gives staff an opportunity to answer the feedback they receive, if that’s appropriate.
NHSGGC encourages any patient or relative who has first-hand experience of the care it provides to share their feedback through Care Opinion.
