Question reference: S6W-26438
- Date lodged: 22 March 2024
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Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 17 April 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported decision by Aberdeenshire Integration Joint Board to close Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Huntly Minor Injury Units (MIUs) overnight on a permanent basis due to budgetary pressures, what action it will take with NHS boards and local partners to ensure that MIUs continue to deliver urgent and unscheduled care in the North East Scotland region.
Answer
It is important to note that through the Redesign of Urgent Care Programme, NHS 24 is available 24/7 and will be able to assist patients across Scotland, including the North East Scotland region, access the most appropriate healthcare pathway over a 24 hour period.
The decision to close the service overnight is an operational decision for local health boards and integrated joint boards to get the best combination of local and specialist services that meets the needs of their population in line with the National Clinical Strategy. It has been reported by NHS Grampian that this bring this service in line with other services across Moray and Aberdeen City. The Scottish Government do not have a specific policy on the provision of Minor Injury Units in communities.
It is important to stress that these Minor Injury Units will continue to operate during the day and the Board report that there is minimal activity at these units during the out of hours period. These services are only equipped to deal with minor injuries which do not need immediate attention. Those patients that may have attended the MIU during the proposed closure times will either be provided with a scheduled appointment through NHS 24 to attend the next morning, or if an emergency will be directed straight to A&E.
Minor injury services are also available at the majority of the local GP practices.