STAFF at a hospital unit set up to ease the strain on accident and emergency wards are celebrating after treating nearly 70,000 patients in four years.

Stobhill Hospital's Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) has given faster treatment to more than 68,000 North Glasgow residents who suffered injuries, such as an infected wound or a broken bone.

The number of people attending the unit goes beyond the 15,000 patients per year predicted when it opened in 2009 and the milestone comes as a survey revealed 96% of patients rated their experience at the unit as excellent or very good.

All patients who were asked also said they were given the appropriate time to explain their injury and the same number said they fully understood the nurse's explanation of their injury and treatment.

Run by specialist emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs) the unit is open between 9am and 9pm for patients who are injured or ill but who do not need to go to A&E.

The ENPs have undergone advanced training to carry out minor procedures, interpret X-rays and manage conditions that would have been a doctor's responsibility before.

ENP Pauline Garvie, who has worked at the unit since it opened, said: "We tend to see people who have limb injuries such ankle or wrist fractures as the result of a fall, but are not life threatening.

"We treat adults and children five years and over for a range of injuries including minor head and neck injuries, cuts and grazes including stitching, and refer patients to specialists if required."

NHSGGC director of emergency care and medicine, Anne Harkness, said: "The MIU is there to ensure anyone who has suffered a relatively minor injury is seen quickly by qualified staff.

"I am pleased that so many people are using services for unscheduled care appropriately, freeing up A&E departments to look after those who are more seriously unwell.

"There are instances however where people are presenting at A&E when their condition could easily be managed at a MIU."

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk