With winter here WHSCT director Geraldine McKay highlights minor injures unit which treated 25k in a year
Senior director Geraldine McKay has encouraged people to consider Altnagelvin’s Minor Injuries Unit this winter as an alternative to A&E after the facility treated 25,000 people in just 12 months.
The Western Trust Director of Unscheduled Care, Medicine, Cancer and Clinical Services, said: “Our Minor Injuries Unit at Altnagelvin has become an important part of our urgent and emergency care service since its opening in 2024. Almost 22,500 attendances from November 2025 to November 2026, demonstrates just how valuable the unit is in providing timely and appropriate care for patients while relieving pressure on the main Emergency Department.
“As we enter the busy winter period, we want people to know that if they have a minor injury, there are alternatives to the Emergency Department.
“By ensuring patients are treated in the most appropriate setting, our Emergency Department teams can concentrate on people with the most serious and life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
“We would encourage the public to make appropriate use of the Minor Injuries Unit this winter and help us ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”
With winter upon us the Western Trust is remining people the facility is available for a wide range of minor injuries helping patients receive the right care, in the right place, while reducing pressure on the main Emergency Department.
The unit is led by experienced Emergency Nurse Practitioners and nursing staff, with clinical oversight from the Emergency Department and operates from 8am to 9pm each day.
Conditions are acute presentations of minor injuries that require immediate assessment and treatment, for both children and adults.
These include:
Minor head injuries
Facial injuries, including foreign bodies in the eyes or nose and ears
Upper and lower limb injuries, including suspected fractures and dislocations.
Wounds and lacerations
Bites, burns and scalds
Patients can phone first before travelling to the Minor Injuries Unit so they can be directed to the most appropriate care. The Phone First telephone number is: 0300 020 6000.
The Altnagelvin Minor Injuries Unit forms part of the Trust's wider work to provide alternative pathways to emergency care and improve patient flow across its hospital services.
The Trust is reminding the public that Emergency Departments remain available 24 hours a day for serious and life-threatening illness and injury.