A CASUALTY unit is to re-open in the Glasgow's West End following a "significant spike" in patient numbers over the cold snap.

From January 3, patients suffering from broken bones, cuts and other minor injuries will have access to emergency treatment at the West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital (formerly Yorkhill Hospital).

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said the recent icy weather had led to a surge in patients with breaks and sprains and that it had taken the decision to re-open the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) until March to cover the winter period.

The service, which is staffed by emergency nurse practitioners, was axed last year shortly before Christmas with staff transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said patient numbers had been lower than expected and that the transferral would strengthen emergency services at the QEUH.

However, the closure prompted concern from politicians, patients and nursing unions who said it would pile pressure on the city's two accident and emergency units.

The Royal College of Nurses (RCN) said patient numbers had averaged 32.7 per day - roughly equivalent on a staff-to-patient ratio with the city’s larger MIU’s at the Victoria Infirmary and Stobhill.

There are three dedicated minor injuries units in Greater Glasgow; at Stobhill, Victoria and Vale of Leven Hospitals.

In March, the board said a review was being launched to assess the need for a four, permanent service, with various options looked at including re-instating the unit at the former Yorkhill hospital or transferring to Gartnavel General.

The Evening Times ran an online poll which suggests people in the West End of the city believe there is a gap in the provision of emergency services following the closure of the Western Infirmary, which left the city with two A&E departments.

Almost 500 readers took part in the poll and 94% agreed that the area would benefit from a service.

Dr Jennifer Armstrong, Medical Director, NHSGGC, said: “From 3rd January, a fourth Minor Injuries Unit will open for the winter at West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital (formerly Yorkhill Hospital).

“As always at this time of year, our staff are seeing an increasing number of patients at our Emergency Departments.

“In many cases our MIUs are often the best healthcare setting for people to attend, meaning they don’t even need to attend one of our Emergency Departments.”

“In Greater Glasgow and Clyde we have three dedicated minor injuries units– at Stobhill, Victoria and Vale of Leven Hospitals – which open seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

A spokeswoman for NHSGGC said: "During the past few weeks, when we saw a surge in slips and trips and broken bones, our Minor Injury Units have been delivering really fast and effective treatment to thousands of patients.

"The combination of icy weather and respiratory conditions has caused a significant spike in patient demand and we want to thank patients for making wise choices about where they do go for treatment – by using the dedicated Minor Injury Units at Stobhill, Victoria and Vale of Leven hospitals this has helped ease pressure on our A&E departments.

"This winter we took the decision to open a West Glasgow Minor Injury Unit from January 3rd (January and February and into March are our busiest winter months) to provide a dedicated MIU service for the adult population in the west of the city."