Minor Injury Units are the best care option for anyone who needs treatment for conditions such as cuts needing stitches, broken bones below the knee and elbow, sprains, and minor burns, as they have specialised staff, facilities, and processes dedicated to caring for these issues.

They are also a quicker and more comfortable route to care for many conditions compared to visiting A&E departments that are prioritised for urgent and life-threatening conditions.

“There are so many alternatives to A&E that will get you seen more quickly,” said Nicola Baxter, Lead Nurse at the Minor Injuries Unit at New Victoria.

“For example, at our Minor Injuries Units across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, most patients are treated and sent home within two hours. Even at our larger sites, the average patient is treated and sent home in three hours or less.

“That’s a huge difference compared to our A&E departments.

“There’s often a misconception that MIUs are second best to A&E, but the MIUs are fully equipped, and staff have a vast experience in dealing with issues such as breaks, minor burns, and stiches, so it’s a better place to treat these.

“Why spend hours in an A&E waiting room when you could be treated in a place like this? All you have to do is call NHS24 on 111.”

While you can walk into A&E for treatment, patients with the most urgent needs will be seen first. If your condition isn’t very urgent or life-threatening, you may be asked to seek help elsewhere or wait for hours while more urgent cases are prioritised.

The alternative is simple. By following a few easy steps, you can access the many options available outside A&E.

Nicola added, “We understand that when someone has an accident or is unwell, our instinct is to get help as quickly as possible. If the condition is life-threatening, you should always call 999 or visit A&E. But if it’s not very urgent, A&E might not be the best place to be. You could be asked to go elsewhere for help, and if you do need to wait, it could be for hours while sicker people are seen first.”

Accessing the right care is as easy as ABC:

Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.

Be aware: There is help for many conditions right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist, or optician offers a range of services.

Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS 24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.

Unless it’s an emergency, think ABC before going to A&E.