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Minor Injury Units - What we can treat and frequently asked questions

Our Minor Injury Units (MIUs) offer advice and treatment for a variety of injuries including; cuts, grazes, wounds, sprains, minor eye injuries, strains and minor burns.

If you have an injury and you're unsure where to go for help, it's best to contact NHS111 for advice. If needed, they can make you an appointment to attend one of our minor injury units for treatment.

If you have a query that isn't covered on this webpage, please contact NHS111 for advice. In most cases advice is available via the NHS111 online service - 111.nhs.uk. You may need to phone 111 to; 

  • discuss complex medical problems
  • discuss worries about a long-term condition
  • get end-of-life care, or report a death
  • report child protection or vulnerable adult concerns

Below are some frequently asked questions about the types of injuries our teams can treat and the services available at a minor injury unit (MIU).

If I visit an MIU, will I be seen quicker than if I went to an emergency department?

Question: If I visit an MIU, will I be seen quicker than if I went to an emergency department?

Answer: Patients should attend the most appropriate service for their healthcare need. If you have a minor injury, it is likely you will be seen quicker at an MIU than if you visit an emergency department. However, MIUs can still get busy at peak times. If you’re unsure if MIU is suitable for you, visit 111.nhs.uk for guidance before attending.

I have cut my leg and think I need stitches, can MIU's treat wounds?

Question: I have cut my leg and think I need stitches, can MIU's treat wounds?

Answer: Yes, MIU can assess wounds and can close the wound as required. If you are unsure of the severity of your wound, please contact NHS 111 which can advise on the best place to receive treatment based on your symptoms and the type of injury sustained.

I think I have sprained my ankle, it's painful and I don't know the best way to look after the injury.

Question: I think I have sprained my ankle, it's painful and I don't know the best way to look after the injury.

Answer: Please attend one of our MIUs for assessment and advice. Where required, our teams will talk you through aftercare and provide you with information to take away with you that will help you manage your injury and recovery.

I have a foreign object/lost a piece of my hearing aid in my ear, and I can't get it out. Where should I go for help? 

Question: I have a foreign object/lost a piece of my hearing aid in my ear, and I can't get it out. Where should I go for help? 

Answer: Our teams should be able to retrieve it for you. If you're unable to attend an MIU please contact NHS111 for advice.

I have a piece of jewellery stuck on my wrist/finger/ear. Can you remove this?

Question: I have a piece of jewellery stuck on my wrist/finger/ear. Can you remove this? 

Answer: Please visit an MIU and our teams will assess whether if this can be safely removed within the MIU. 

I have something in my eye, can I visit an MIU for treatment?

Question: I have something in my eye, can I visit an MIU for treatment?

Answer: Our teams can treat minor eye injuries. If you have sustained an injury or have a foreign body in your eye, we encourage you to contact NHS 111 which can advise on the best place to receive treatment based on your symptoms and the type of injury sustained. NHS 111 may direct you to a specialist eye hospital or emergency department.

Can I get an X-ray at an MIU? Do I need to be assessed or can I just walk in?

Question: Can I get an X-ray at an MIU? Do I need to be assessed beforehand, or can I just walk-in and request one? 

Answer: If you have sustained an injury, a member of our team will assess you and can request an x-ray if this is clinically required. This includes x-rays of limbs; fingers, toes, arms and legs. Not every injury requires an X-ray therefore you will need to be assessed and advised.

Unfortunately you cannot walk-in and request an x-ray without attending an MIU or having an existing outpatient appointment. 

If you think you need an x-ray, you can check our x-ray opening times on our MIU service page . Please note, these may differ from MIU opening times.

Do you treat insect/bee/wasp/spider bites/stings?

Question: Do you treat insect/bee/wasp/spider bites/stings?

Answer: Yes, we can treat insect stings and bites, your local pharmacy can also offer this advice and treatment. If you  suddenly develop any of the following symptoms you may be having an anaphylaxis reaction and should call 999 immediately; 

Can I get my burn treated at a minor injury unit?

Question: Can I get my burn treated at a minor injury unit?

Answer: Yes, our team can treat small burns or scalds. If you're unsure whether your burn is minor, please contact NHS111 online or by phone.

I have run out of my medication and need a prescription, can I get this from an MIU?

Question: I have run out of my medication and need a prescription, can I get this from an MIU?

Answer: No, unfortunately we're unable to arrange or dispense medication. Please contact your GP or NHS111.

I think my wound is infected, can you provide antibiotics?

Question: I think my wound is infected, can you provide antibiotics?

Answer: Patients can be assessed for simple wound infections, however we're unable to treat post-operation wounds and certain medical conditions. Please contact NHS111 for guidance before visiting an MIU with an infected wound. 

My family member who is visiting the area has fallen and injured his knee, can they attend the local MIU? 

Question: My family member who is visiting the area has fallen and injured his knee, can they attend the local MIU? 

Answer: Yes, you don't need to live in the area to access services at an MIU. Please see our locations and opening times for more information. 

My arm/leg/wrist is red/hot/swollen but I haven't injured it, can an MIU help?

Question: My arm/leg/wrist is red/hot/swollen but I haven't injured it, can an MIU help?

Answer: Unfortunately our team can only treat injuries. If you have unexpected swelling/pain/redness please contact your GP or NHS111 for advice.

Do you treat babies?

Question: Do you treat babies? 

Answer: Unfortunately we're unable to treat children under the age of 1 at our minor injury units. If you need urgent treatment or advice for a child under the age of 1 please call NHS111. Please note, the NHS111 online service is not suitable for children under the age of 5 years.