A minor injuries unit (MIU) is a type of walk-in clinic service provided in some hospitals in the United Kingdom. Units are generally staffed by emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs) who can work autonomously to treat minor injuries such as lacerations and fractures. Some units have access to X-ray facilities. There is some consultant input in training and supervision. No appointment is needed, and waiting times are often shorter than at emergency departments.
In 1994, a minor injuries unit opened at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh which became the first nurse-led unit in Scotland.[1] A two-year evaluation showed the service was run at an average cost of £33 per patient visit.[2]
References
- ^ "Minor injuries clinic is major asset to Capital". The Scotsman. 15 December 2009. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
- ^ Heaney, David; Paxton, Fiona (15 October 1997). "Evaluation of a nurse-led minor injuries unit". Nursing Standard. 12 (4): 35–38. doi:10.7748/ns1997.10.12.4.35.c2484.
External links
- MIU services in England from NHS choices website
- MIU services in Northern Ireland from NI direct website
- MIU services in Scotland from a NHS Scotland website
- MIU services in Wales from ITV website