A Nurse lead Minor Injuries Unit operates at the Herts and Essex Hospital, open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm (last registration) (closed weekends & bank holidays).
Video consultations are now available. Patients should called the Minor Injuries Unit in the first instance on 01279 827450 to see whether their injury is suitable for a video consultation. A clinician can then offer a video consultation where deemed appropriate; this will also help to reduce waiting times.
They can treat only over 2 years of age for:
- minor cuts & grazes
- cuts needing stitches
- bites & stings
- sprains & strains
- sports injury
- suspected limb fractures requiring x-ray
- anti tetanus injections
- minor abscesses
- burns / scalds
- removal of foreign bodies i.e. splinters, fish hooks, cotton buds, earring butterflies)
- minor head injury
- minor limb injury
- whiplash (neck / headache following a low speed car accident)
If the nurse suspects that you have broken a bone, they can request an x-ray at Herts & Essex Hospital x-ray department.
They cannot treat:
- any conditions not listed above
- children under 2 years of age
- dressing changes or stitch removal
- cold symptoms, ear infections or sore throat
- abdominal or chest pain
- back pain
- eye problems
- ear infections
- dizzy spells
- asthma
- gynaecological complaints
- pregnancy issues
- mental health problems
- intoxicated patients
- arrivals after 4.30pm cannot be seen.
Minor Injury staff cannot authorise x-rays of head, neck, throat, face, chest/ribs, back/spine.
For further information telephone the unit on 01279 655191 ext 4298.
Download the Minor Injuries Unit Leaflet (DOCX, 156KB)
Urgent Care Centre
A new Urgent Care Centre is available at the QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Queen Elizabeth II hospital, Howlands, Welwyn Garden City, Herts. AL7 4HQ Telephone: 01707 328111
Adults and children of all ages with minor injuries or minor illnesses can go to the Urgent Care Centre. No appointment is necessary.
The Urgent Care Centre will treat:
- Muscle and joint injuries - such as strains, sprains, sudden back or neck pain, tendonitis and soft tissue injuries
- Suspected fractures and broken bones
- Bites, stings, cuts, bruises and grazes
- Burns and scalds
- Foreign bodies stuck in ears or noses
- Minor eye injuries
- Minor head injuries
- Minor illness that cannot wait until your GP surgery is next open
Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS)
The MECS can help with minor eye issues
Treated Conditions
If you are experiencing:
- Red eye or eyelids
- Dry, gritty or uncomfortable eyes
- Eye irritation and inflammation
- A lot of recent discharge from the eye or watery eye
- Recently occurring flashes or floaters
- Painful eye
- Ingrowing lashes
- Recent and sudden loss of vision
- Foreign body in the eye
Patients can arrange an appointment with an optometrist through the Minor Eye Conditions service.
Who Is The Service For?
The service is for people of all ages. Children under 16 years must be accompanied at their appointment by an adult. You do not need a GP referral to use this service.
NHS appointments available at local optical practices Find a participating practice at primaryeyecare.co.uk