Get the Right Treatment
Every year, millions of us visit our GP with minor health problems that can be easily resolved without a doctor's appointment.
It is estimated that every year, 50 million visits to the GP are made for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, mild eczema, and athlete's foot. By visiting your pharmacy instead, you could save yourself time and trouble.
Self-care
Keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet at home can help you treat many minor ailments. Colds, coughs, indigestion and many other minor complaints can all be treated with medicines that are available over the counter.
Your pharmacist can advise on what you might find useful to keep in your medicine cabinet. Always follow the instructions on the medicine label and consult your doctor if the illness continues or becomes more severe.
Your Local Pharmacist
Pharmacists offer professional free health advice at any time - you don't need an appointment. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give you expert help on everyday illnesses. They can answer questions about prescribed and over-the-counter medicines. Your local Pharmacist can also advise on healthy eating.
Pharmacists can also advise on health eating, obesity and giving up smoking. Some pharmacists have private areas where you can talk in confidence. They may suggest you visit your GP for more serious symptoms. It is possible to purchase many medicines from the chemist without a prescription. Watch this short video on how you can get the most out of your local pharmacy
NHS Minor Injuries Unit
MINOR INJURY UNIT
STOBHILL HOSPITAL
The Minor Injuries Unit will treat adults and children aged five and over for a range of minor injuries.
An injury is damage caused to the body by something physical (for example following a fall).
The Minor Injuries Unit will:
- Arrange X-rays for suspected broken bones. For example, shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand (including fingers), knee, lower leg, ankle, foot and toes.
- Treat and apply plaster to broken bones.
- Treat back, shoulder and rib injuries.
- Treat minor head and neck injuries.
- Treat cuts/grazes as well as close (stitch) and dress wounds.
- Treat sprains of ankles, knees, wrists and elbows.
- Treat infected wounds.
- Treat eye and ear injuries
- Treat minor burns and scalds.
- Assess a minor injury and refer to a specialist if required.
Who should not attend the MIU?
Patients with serious injuries will be taken to the local A&E department.
Minor Injuries Units will also not deal with illnesses. An illness can be described as when you feel unwell or in poor health, for example, if you have a high temperature (see below about what to do in the event of illness).
The Minor Injuries Unit will not treat:
- Illnesses – When you feel unwell or in poor health (e.g. stomach pains, abscesses, rashes, tonsillitis).
- Gynaecological problems.
- Pregnancy problems.
- Alcohol or drug related problems.
- Mental Health problems.
- Drug overdose.
- Severe allergic reactions.
- Breathing problems.
- Chest pain.
- Collapsed or unconscious patients.
For some types of these conditions you can contact NHS 24 for advice on 08454 242424 or get in touch with your GP. If you are uncertain about what to do you should contact NHS 24 or if the situation is an emergency you should phone 999, or go to your local A&E Department.
You should also attend A&E with a minor injury between the hours of 9pm and 9am when the MIU is closed.
What if my child is under 5?
If your child is less than 1 year old you should attend the A&E Department at Yorkhill (RoyalHospital for Sick Children).
If your child is between 1 and 5 years old, you should attend the A&E Department at Yorkhill or the nearest adult A&E Department.
Remember, the MIU is only intended for people with less serious injuries who are aged 5 years and older. If your child has an illness they should not be taken to a Minor Injuries Unit. For advice on this you can contact NHS 24 on 08454 242424 or get in touch with your GP.
If you are uncertain about what to do you should contact NHS 24 or if you think it is an emergency you should go to the RoyalHospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill or phone 999.
Opening Hours: 9am-9pm Monday to Sunday
Tel: 0141 355 1536
Accident & Emergency (A&E)
Major A&E departments assess and treat patients who have serious injuries or illnesses. Generally, you should visit A&E or call 999 for emergencies, such as:
- loss of consciousness,
- pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia,
- acute confused state,
- persistent, severe chest pain, or
- breathing difficulties.
If you're injured or seriously ill, you should go, or be taken, to A&E. If an ambulance is needed you can call 999, the emergency phone number in the UK. You can also dial 112, which is the equivalent for the European Union.
Major A&E departments offer access 365 days a year and usually open 24 hours a day. Be aware that not all hospitals have an A&E department.