Awareness of Minor Injuries Units
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Healthwatch Worcestershire wanted to explore levels of awareness amongst the public of Minor Injuries Units. They carried out a survey at various locations across Worcestershire. 635 people completed it.
While most respondents had heard of Minor Injuries Units, more information about them is needed. People have heard of Minor Injuries Units, but they don’t necessarily know which injuries they can treat or when they are open. Those that had not heard of Minor Injuries Units would like a leaflet through the door as the main way to receive information.
Most people who had attended a Minor Injuries Unit in the last 12 months had a good experience.
People felt the MIU service offer could be improved. They told of long waiting times, that MIUs were not always open when they were needed or that opening hours should be extended, and that X-Ray facilities were not always available.
MIUs are important local services, but people living in Worcester and Redditch do not have direct access to a Minor Injuries Unit. Better information about MIUs and having these available locally may help to take pressure off busy A&E Departments.
Most people are aware of the message about contacting NHS 111, but will telephone rather than going online. Some people find out of hours services confusing. Online information about MIUs could be more consistent.
The report contains eight recommendations about better publicising the services.