We do not treat patients outside of our practice boundary with minor injuries. If you have a minor injury and are not a patient of Cutlers Hill Surgery, you will need to contact your own surgery or 111 if out of hours.
The Minor Injury (MI) provides treatment for less serious injuries less than 72 hours old, that would typically be dealt with by a hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) department where the priority is to treat serious, life-threatening conditions. The MI is staffed by experienced nurses and patients will be assessed and treated as quickly as possible.
This is a nurse-led unit and is supported by the doctors who oversee the unit’s work, who are available for advice when needed. If your condition cannot be dealt with at the Minor Injuries Unit, then you will be referred to the nearest Accident and Emergency department (A&E) or to another appropriate service.
Please note that for any Minor Injuries we ask that you call before coming to the surgery, this way a clinician can ask you to come to the surgery at a suitable time which would limit your wait. If you walk into the surgery without having called before, you may be required to wait in the waiting room until a clinician is available.
Patients are seen in order of priority. During busy periods, waiting times will inevitably be longer but our aim is to see you as quickly as possible. MI is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6pm. Please report to the receptionist at the surgery upon arrival.
Please report to MI for injuries less than 72 hours old, and not for minor illness.
What can the Minor Injury Unit treat?
The MI can treat:
- Sprains and strains
- Wound infections
- Cuts and lacerations
- Minor burns and scalds
- Foreign bodies in the eyes, nose and ears
- Minor head injuries (with no loss of consciousness)
- Insect and animal bites
- Minor eye injuries
- Allergic reactions
The MI cannot treat:
- Injuries more than 72 hours old
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Major injuries or broken bones
- Problems usually dealt with by a GP, including minor illnesses
- Stomach pains
- Gynaecological problems
- Pregnancy problems
- Drug overdoses or poisoning
- Alcohol related problems
- Mental health problems
- Conditions likely to require hospital admission