11/11/2026
This Winter, the Western Trust is reminding the public that Altnagelvin’s Minor Injuries Unit 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.
Since last November 2025, almost 22,500 patients attended the Minor Injuries Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital, enabling those patients to receive appropriate treatment without having to be seen within the main Emergency Department.
As Winter brings increased demand across health and social care services, the Trust is reminding the public that the dedicated Minor Injuries Unit provides assessment and treatment for a wide range of injuries in a more appropriate environment.
The unit is led by experienced Emergency Nurse Practitioners and nursing staff, with clinical oversight from the Emergency Department and operates from 8.00am to 9.00pm 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
We would ask patients to 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.
Geraldine McKay, 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.”
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.