NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is encouraging the local community to think Right Care, Right Place, and to only attend Vale of Leven Hospital (VoLH) when they have an appointment or referral.
Two key services at VoLH, the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) and the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), are here to help when you need urgent medical attention or treatment for minor injuries. However, it’s important to know that these services are not walk-in clinics.
You should only attend the VoLH with a scheduled appointment or after being referred by your Pharmacy, GP, or NHS 24 by calling 111. This will result in scheduled access to the correct service, which is often quicker and will avoid any potential delays, including redirection.
The MAU is a dedicated nine-bed unit that supports patients with potentially more urgent medical conditions. A skilled team of doctors, nurses, and healthcare support workers carries out thorough assessments, which may include blood tests, ECGs, X-rays, or CT scans. Based on these results, patients may either be discharged home or admitted for further care.
The MAU sees a wide range of conditions, including breathlessness, chest pain, headaches, dizziness, and confusion.
While the MAU supports those with more serious medical concerns, the MIU is the right place for minor injuries. If you have a cut that might need stitches, a sprain, a minor burn, or even a broken bone in your arm or lower leg.
The MIU is staffed by experienced Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Emergency Nurse Practitioners who can assess your injury, arrange X-rays, apply plasters or splints, and stitch or dress wounds. The team can also help with insect bites, minor head injuries (without serious symptoms), removal of foreign objects from the eyes, nose or ears, and even removing stuck rings or earrings.
Both the MAU and MIU play a vital role in supporting the health of the local community. To help these services run smoothly and ensure staff can focus on those who need them most, please only attend if you’ve been referred or have an appointment.
The public is also reminded that many common illnesses, such as coughs, stomach bugs, or high temperatures, can often be treated at home or with advice from your local pharmacy. If you still need support, contact your optician, dentist, GP, or call NHS 24 on 111.
Iona Scott, Interim Clyde Sector Director for NHSGGC, said: “By using services like the Medical Assessment Unit and Minor Injuries Unit appropriately, we can ensure everyone in our community gets the care they need, when they need it most.
“Our staff take great pride in the services they provide and in supporting the community. We’re asking the community to support them by not attending the Vale of Leven Hospital without an appointment or referral.
“Thinking ‘Right Care, Right Place’ is a great starting point. Having common medicines available at home and trying to look after yourself in the house can be the best approach. However, help is available locally if you need it, from your pharmacy, dentist, optician, and GP. If you’re unsure, call NHS 24 on 111.”
