Enter and view: Ludlow Minor Injuries Unit, Shorpshire

Aim: To explore why people have attended the Minor Injury Unit (MIU) and understand their experience of the available service.

The Enter & View visit was semi-announced. A questionnaire was devised to gain insight into the awareness of urgent care services, when a visit to A&E is not needed and to understand why people choose to attend a local Minor Injuries Unit (MIU). The visit took place at the busiest time of the week Monday 9.00am-12.00pm). Healthwatch Shropshire spoke to 9 people who attended the MIU and 3 members of staff.

In summary, all the people who attended the MIU during the visit were very happy with the service they had received. Most people using the MIU lived in or near to Ludlow and had used the MIU before. Most people had gone to the MIU after having an accident. Staff were kind and efficient. Staff said there were difficulties transferring x-rays electronically to hospitals outside of Shropshire meaning patients have to have an x-ray repeated. Most people were aware of other services but only one had sought advice elsewhere.

Report recommendations; the system for transferring x-rays electronically especially out of county be reviewed and improved, signage to the centre from the town is reviewed and improved, market stall roadshows to be reintroduced to promote the MIU, vacant posts are filled as soon as possible.