MINOR Injuries services are a real alternative to Accident & Emergency (A&E).

The service can help you deal with less serious injuries that you may have thought required a trip to A&E and it is staffed by highly skilled Emergency Nurse Practitioners (ENPs).

Minor Injuries services are based in the Minor Injuries Unit at Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline; and A&E at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, both these services operate a 24/7 walk in service. You can also attend the Minor Injuries services at Adamson Hospital, Cupar and St Andrews Community Hospital, St Andrews who operate a walk in service Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.

Patients can attend with injuries to ligaments, tendons and muscles which include things like a sprained wrist or twisted ankle or a suspected broken bone, simple fractures can be treated by the minor injury service and ENP’s can also treat cuts and wounds including those requiring stitching and dressing.

Other injuries they can treat include eye injuries, bites and stings, minor burns and scalds, bumps to the head and injuries to fingers and toes.

Christine Harley, Emergency Nurse Practitioner at Queen Margaret Hospital said, “We are able to deal with many injuries that are not serious or life-threatening but nonetheless significant and requiring medical help. We are able to assess a person’s injuries, providing the care and treatment each patient requires.

“For example, patients who present with a possible fracture – broken bone - can be helped. The patient may not even realise it’s broken until they come to us but we can provide the care and treatment required for a simple fracture.

“We can also refer patients to a specialist for treatment when necessary.” Attending the Minor Injuries service instead of A&E means you will get the care and treatment you require and you will often be seen quicker, especially at busy periods such as evenings and weekends.

If you attend and they are unable to help you, they will advise you of the best alternative service for your needs.

Minor Injuries service cannot treat illnesses a GP would normally treat, gynaecological and pregnancy problems, alcohol and drug related problems, mental health problems, severe allergic reaction, breathing problems or chest pain.

For information on Minor Injuries services leaflets are available from a variety of places including local pharmacies, GPs, dentists and libraries, alternatively you can visit the NHS Fife website – www.nhsfife.org/knowwhototurnto