People are being urged to call NHS24 for minor injuries rather than going to A&E.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) are encouraging those with foot or ankle pain after trips, slips and falls to call a specialist who will refer them to a minor injuries unit (MIU). 

There are roughly 57,000 trips to A&E each year relating to foot and ankle injuries, NHSGGC hope to save hundreds of hours and also concentrate on more serious illnesses. 

MIUs can assess and treat strains, sprains and even suspected fractures and breaks and often have shorter waiting times than A&Es.

Consultant MSK Physiotherapist, Margot Cohen, commented: “For most people with suspected sprains or fractures, the norm would be to go straight to A&E to then be referred on to radiology to access an X-ray.

"This means they have to wait in often busy Emergency Departments, and they are generally not those requiring the most immediate care, so they have to wait longer periods before being seen.

“By accessing an MIU through NHS24, patients can avoid the queue at A&E as MIU waiting times are usually shorter. Through NHS24 they interact with NHSGGC’s ‘Flow Navigation Centre’, a brand-new service with a high-level virtual consultation with a specialist practitioner who can then book them in, or refer them directly to the MIU or other appropriate service."

On the call, a nurse will provide an assessment and then book an appointment at the nearest MIU if needed.

If A&E is nearer than an MIU, like in Inverclyde, patients may be given a time slot to attend A&E, with advice to deal with discomfort or pain in the mean time.

Margot added: “The message is simple - if you think you’ve sprained, broken or fractured your foot or ankle, please phone NHS24 on 111 to access a specialist review. It will get you seen faster, and it supports our frontline emergency staff who can focus on delivering life-saving care.”

MIUs are located in Stobhill Hospital, open 9am – 9pm daily; New Victoria Hospital, also open 9am – 9pm daily, and Vale of Leven which is open 24 hours.

People with serious injuries are still advised to go to A&E.