Parents want the best for their children, especially when they’re hurt or unwell.
Healthcare professionals at the Vale of Leven Hospital (VoLH) are reminding parents to think right care, right place, stressing the importance of calling their GP or NHS 24 on 111 before attending the hospital.
The VoLH Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) can assist with a wide range of minor injuries, including cuts and wounds, minor burns and scalds, sprains, and minor fractures (click here for more information on what the MIU can treat).
However, the MIU at the VoLH and across all NHSGGC sites are not suitable for babies under 12 months. MIU is also not appropriate for children aged between one and 16 years old with any form of illness, such as:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Breathing difficulties
- Infections
- Rashes
- Allergic reactions
- Stomach pains
- Mental health concerns
- Dental problems.
In these cases, parents or guardians should contact their local pharmacy, GP, dentist, or NHS 24 by dialling 111.
If the situation is more serious, you may need to attend the Emergency Department at the Royal Hospital for Children. In an emergency, call 999 immediately.
Iona Scott, Interim Clyde Sector Director for NHSGGC, said: “We ask parents to first contact their local pharmacy, GP, dentist, or NHS 24 on 111 instead of attending the VoLH directly. They may refer you to the Minor Injuries Unit or another service at the Vale, or to alternative healthcare.
“If you do attend the VoLH directly, you are likely to be redirected to alternative healthcare, which you could have accessed quicker in the first instance.
“It’s important to stress that babies under 12 months require specialist care and cannot be seen at the Vale. If your baby is unwell, please contact your GP, NHS 24 on 111, or attend the Royal Hospital for Children.”
