Your Local Minor Injuries Unit: The Right Choice for Non-Emergencies
If you need medical treatment or advice but your condition isn’t a life-threatening emergency, your local Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) is often the quickest and most effective option. Choosing the MIU helps ensure that A&E remains free for those in critical condition.
When to visit a Minor Injuries Unit
Our specialist teams treat a wide range of less serious injuries for both adults and children. Common conditions we manage include:
- Limb Injuries: Problems affecting the arms, legs, hands, or feet.
- Breaks & Sprains: Suspected broken bones, sprains, strains, and deep bruises.
- Wounds & Bites: Cuts, grazes, human or animal bites, and insect stings.
- Burns: Minor burns and scalds.
- Infections: Skin abscesses and infected wounds.
- Head & Face: Minor head injuries (without loss of consciousness), broken noses, and persistent nosebleeds.
- Foreign Objects: Removing small objects from the eyes or nose.
Why choose MIU?
- Faster Care: Wait times are typically much shorter than at a busy Emergency Department.
- Expert Staff: You will be treated by skilled practitioners specializing in injury care.
- No Appointment Needed: Most units operate on a walk-in basis, though some may offer “Phone First” services to streamline your visit.
Note: For life-threatening emergencies—such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, or major trauma—always call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
Know Before You Go: How to Access Care
To help you get the right care in the right place, most areas in Northern Ireland now operate a “Phone First” service. Before traveling to a Minor Injuries Unit, please call the dedicated number for your Trust area.
A healthcare professional will assess your injury over the phone and may give you an appointment time, saving you from waiting in a busy reception area.
Regional “Phone First” Contact Numbers
| Health Trust Area | Hospitals Covered | Phone Number | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | Royal Victoria / Mater | 028 9615 9444 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| Northern | Antrim / Causeway / Mid Ulster | 0300 123 1 123 | Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm |
| South Eastern | Ulster / Lagan Valley / Downe | 028 9151 0110 | 7 Days, 8am–6pm |
| Southern | Craigavon / Daisy Hill / South Tyrone | 0300 123 3 111 | Mon–Fri, 9am–9pm |
| Western | Altnagelvin / South West Acute / Omagh | 0300 020 6000 | 7 Days, 8am–Midnight |