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Minor Injuries

Posted By Sept07

"Minor Injuries"

About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Minor Injuries Unit

(as the patient),

Rang minor injuries with an injury to ribs. Was told that ribs do not come under minor injuries and was advised to go to A&E.  This is why A&E is full and waiting times are excessive.

On another occasion when I rang re: cut to finger by glass. I was informed that there were no appointments left and to go to A&E.   

My experiences with minor injuries has not been very good and I wonder why this service is in place if one can't be seen and one has to sit for hours in A&E anyways.  

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Responses

Response from Bronagh McHugh, Western Health and Social Care Trust 2 days ago
Bronagh McHugh
Western Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 04/09/2025 at 18:55
Published on Care Opinion at 18:55

Hello Sept07,

Apologies you have had difficulties accessing the MIU service. MIU staff do not have access to the phone first booking service, therefore the call handler is not MIU staff, there is slots throughout the day and once they are fully booked the patient is directed to ED or an appointment for the following day if deemed suitable will be provided. Unfortunately staffing of late has been affecting the ability to see above the slot capacity.

There is a standard operating procedure, which is in place to ensure the right patient, is in the right area, at the right time, being seen by an appropriate clinician for your injury.

It is unfortunate you haven't had a positive experience, but hope that if the situation arises in the future you have a more positive journey.

Regards,

Bronagh McHugh

ED MIU Manager

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