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"Unprofessional and unhelpful"

About: NHS 24 / NHS 24 (111 service) Stirling Care Village / Minor injuries unit

(as other),

This system of calling NHS 24 to get an appointment for MIU just does not work. Called for an appointment only to be told that’s the process but they wouldn’t give an appointment and that ultimately I was the one (first aider at an event) delaying the man’s care. This was while we were sat in minor injuries with him pale; nauseous and pain 8/10, getting frustrated that he’s being told to go home and come back (he has no transport and lives 45 minutes from the hospital). As someone who has worked for the NHS for over 20 years the manner I was spoken to by 2 staff members at minor injuries was just appalling.

My point which couldn’t seem to be understood by one of the staff members was that; we are better at minor injuries than out in the cold rain. They did not seem to see this point and continued to have nothing more than an attitude to my confusion at how it was the best decision to leave. He didn’t leave thankfully. And within 30 minutes was being taken for a xray. Although NHS 24 say he needs pain relief, but we can’t get that from the minor injuries unit we are in.

All the stress and worry for nothing. Accessing care shouldn’t come with aggravation nor should you have to advocate so strongly on someone’s behalf. I noticed another couple were doing the same; in minor injuries but on the phone to get an appointment. Complete lack of common sense, pointless and poor standards of care.

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Responses

Response from Tracey Archibald, Lead Nurse for Advanced Practice ED/MIU, Emergecy Departement/Minor Injuries Unit, Nhs Forth Valley 2 weeks ago
Tracey Archibald
Lead Nurse for Advanced Practice ED/MIU, Emergecy Departement/Minor Injuries Unit,
Nhs Forth Valley
Submitted on 22/07/2025 at 17:33
Published on Care Opinion at 17:33


Good afternoon Grahol

I am sorry to read about your recent experience with trying to obtain an appointment through NHS 24 for our service.

It would be good to chat over your experience so we can see why it did not go as smoothly for you on this occasion.

Please feel free to email me to arrange a time to discuss the challenges you experienced in minor injuries

Tracey.archibald@nhs.scot

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Response from Lynne C, Patient Experience Officer, Nursing & Care, NHS 24 last week
Lynne C
Patient Experience Officer, Nursing & Care,
NHS 24

Manages patient feedback

Submitted on 24/07/2025 at 15:43
Published on Care Opinion at 15:43


Dear Grahol,

Thank you for sharing you story on Care opinion. I’m sorry to learn of the challenges you faced when trying to access care as a First Aider, this must have been a very frustrating experience for you.

I reply on behalf on NHS 24 and I thought helpful to offer some clarification about NHS 24’s role. When someone contacts our 111 service, our responsibility is to assess and triage their symptoms at the time of the call. This helps us determine the most appropriate route for onward care. Any follow up care, such as arranging Minor Injury Unit appointments, phone calls or visits, is then managed by the patient’s local Health Board, who will make the necessary arrangements directly with the patient or their representative.

I can see NHS Forth Valley Emergency Department/Minor Injury Unit has responded to your story and has invited you to get in touch with them. They are best placed to address any concerns related to the Minor Injury Unit.

If any part of your experience does relate to your initial call to 111, our Patient Experience Team can take this forward for you and will explain the process to do this. If you would kindly contact us at patient.experience@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk and include your Care Opinion username so we can identify your story.

Thank you again for sharing your story. I wish you all the best.

Kind regards

Lynne

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