A new campaign has been launched to encourage people from across Forth Valley to make use of the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Stirling Community Hospital.

The Unit is staffed by emergency nurse practitioners who can prescribe medication and treatment for a wide range of minor injuries including minor burns and scalds, infected wounds, sprains, cuts and grazes. Staff can also examine and treat minor injuries to the eye, ear, head and neck areas and arrange X-rays for suspected broken bones.

Although based in Stirling, the MIU offers treatment to patients with minor injuries over the age of one across Forth Valley, including those from Falkirk and Clackmannanshire. No appointment is necessary and the Unit is open 7 days a week from 9am – 9pm.

NHS Forth Valley’s Medical Director Miss Tracey Gillies said: “Many people with minor injuries automatically head for the Emergency Department however they can normally be seen and treated quicker by visiting the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Stirling Community Hospital.

“This also frees up staff in our busy Emergency Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital to treat patients with more serious injuries who require urgent care.”

The campaign, which urges the public to make the Minor Injuries Unit their First Stop, includes local radio, bus and rail station advertising. Posters and bookmarks are also being distributed to local GPs, pharmacies, libraries and bookshops across Forth Valley.

To find out more about the Minor Injuries Unit visit www.nhsforthvalley.com/miu