What is a minor illness/injury unit (MIU) – and what are they for?
In this article we will explain what a MIU is, and what type of conditions they are for.
What is a minor illness/injury unit (MIU)?
Minor illness/injury units are designed to take the burden off NHS A&Es by providing a facility to treat more minor complaints such as cuts and scrapes, bruises, small burns, wound infections and other ‘smaller’ issues.
You may see a specialised experienced nurse, and sometime a GP or other doctor. You may not necessarily need to see a doctor.
If needed, they can discuss your care with other hospital doctors, including consultants, who are supported by registrars and junior doctors.
Do you need an appointment for a MIU?
No. You do not need an appointment to turn up to a MIU. They are very useful if you have one locally (Google your nearest one) and many consider them underused.
In other words, you can walk in, right off the street, to your local MIU. They are usually open during daytime hours – i.e. 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. After this time, you should attend A&E; but only if it absolutely cannot wait until the morning.
We would recommend trying to get there at least an hour before closing time or else you may be redirected to A&E. Your local MIU will have a specific policy on this; and usually do not accept new patients if they turn up within 1-2 hours of closing time.
When is a good time to go?
7.30am, as most open 8am-8pm (last patient may be seen at 7.30pm).
What is a MIU for? Ie what conditions can they deal with?
- Minor injuries
- Minor illnesses like coughs and colds
- Sprains and strains
- Minor broken bones, e.g. hands, elbows and lower arms, ankles
- Wound infections
- Minor burns and scalds
- Minor head injuries
- Insect and animal bites
- Minor eye problems and injuries
- Back pain – especially acute (recent) back pain.
MIUs cannot treat illnesses such as chest or abdominal pain, strokes, significant bleeding, or pregnancy problems. Babies under one cannot be treated at MIUs. They are often open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm. Check their opening hours before your go to your local one.
Weekends and Bank Holidays
MIUs (and the similar Urgent Treatment (UTC) and Walk-in Centres), are good places to go at weekends, on bank holidays and out of hours – especially if you do not have a GP yet, e.g you are a migrant and new to the UK.
Summary
We have described what is a minor illness/injury unit (MIU) and what are they for. We hope it is clearer now. They are very useful part of the NHS that need to be used more.
