If you have an injury that needs urgent or immediate attention, you should call 111 to make an appointment with an expert in one of NHS Lothian’s Minor Injury Units.

The MIU team can help adults and children over 12 months who have a recent minor injury less than 7 days old, including:

• strains, sprains and suspected broken bones of arms and legs
• wounds and minor burns
• minor bumps to head and face
• simple eye injuries
• insect bites (ticks etc) and stings

Our minor injury units are open seven days a week every day of the year at the sites listed below. Please note that if you arrive without arranging an appointment via 111 you may be asked to come back later.

Some minor injuries can be treated with help from a local pharmacist or via video consultation with a qualified Nurse Practitioner.

If you require further assessment or treatment you will be given a face-to-face appointment to attend a minor injury unit which could the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Western General Hospital or St John’s Hospital if you are aged 16 and over.

Children aged 15 and under will be asked to attend the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People or can also be scheduled an appointment at St John’s Hospital or the Western General Hospital.

Queen Margaret Hospital Minor Injuries Unit (6.5 miles away)

Operate a walk-in service daily from 08:00 to 24:00 (midnight), however, please note that doors are locked from 20:00, and after this time the service is by appointment only. Between 20:00 and 24:00 (midnight), please call NHS 24 on 111 to make an appointment.

The service treats adults and children over one-year old for minor or less serious injuries. Please note that we can only treat injuries sustained within the last 72 hours. 

• Arm, wrist and hand injuries
• Knee, ankle and foot injuries
• Back, shoulder and rib injuries
• Head and neck injuries in people who are fully conscious
• Cuts and wounds which may need dressing and stitches
• Minor burns and scalds
• Insect bites (ticks etc) and stings

The Minor Injuries Unit at Queen Margaret Hospital is located at Whitefield Road, Dunfermline,  KY12 0SU.

Please click here to find out more about other Minor Injury Units

If you’re spending time outdoors this summer, be tick aware. Take measures to prevent getting bitten, and if you do get bitten, remove the tick as soon as possible. More information - https://www.nhsinform.scot/lyme-disease

• Check for ticks on your skin following time spent outdoor in green spaces. Ticks are very small and can be hard to spot. Doing a full body check is extremely important.
• Keep to footpaths and avoid long grass when out walking.
• Wear appropriate clothing (long-sleeved shirt and trousers tucked into your socks) when out in green spaces.
• Light-coloured fabrics can help you in spotting a tick early.
• Use insect repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
• Remove tick (see image below). Wash the affected skin with soap and water and apply an antiseptic cream to the area of skin around the bite.

If you have concerns please contact Minor Injuries Assessment Service on 111 for help and advice.