Minor injuries units (MIUs) and Walk-in centre (WIC)
Information about our standard MIU and WIC opening times are below. Please check our Facebook account or the NHSquicker app for updates on any changes to these opening times.
If you are considering attending a MIU or WIC please first call NHS 111 or use 111 Online to make sure you get the most appropriate care for your needs.
If you need urgent treatment, but your condition not life threatening, please use your local Minor Injury Unit or Walk-in Centre. This will ensure you receive the best possible treatment, leaving the Emergency Department free to deal with more serious cases. You do not need to pre-book an appointment, just walk-in during our opening hours which can be found using the links below:
- Sidwell Street Walk-in Centre (Exeter)
The below minor injury services do not accept walk-in patients. Please call the service before attending to book in. Or call 111 - You may be directed to an alternative service to ensure you get appropriate treatment for your needs.
- Combe Coastal Practice
Other minor injury urgent treatment services across North and East Devon (please note these services are not managed by Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust):
Minor injuries units (MIUs) more on what we can treat
You will be seen by a highly-qualified nurse practitioner who can assess, diagnose and provide treatment for medical problems that are not critical or life-threatening such as:
- Bites or stings
- Broken bones (limbs)
- Cuts, grazes and minor wounds
- Earache
- Eye infections
- Minor burns
- Minor eye injuries
- Minor head injuries
- Minor skin infections
- Muscle or joint injuries
- Sore throats
- Sprains or strains
- Urinary symptoms (women)
What would be better treated elsewhere
- Abdominal pain
- Hip injuries
- Major trauma injuries
- Children under 2 years old
- Overdoses
- Alcohol or drug related issues
- Sudden loss of vision
- Problems usually dealt with by a GP
- Diabetes issues
- Mental Health
- Headaches/Migraine
- Rectal pain
- Pregnancy or gynae issues
- Chest infections
- Back pain
- Mouth ulcers
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Indigestion
- Acne
- Athlete’s foot
- Tooth pain
- Gum problems
- Blurred or reduced vision
This is not a full list of conditions: if in any doubt call 111 to be directed to an appropriate service.
Walk-in Centre (WIC) more on what we can treat
You can go to a walk-in centre (WIC) if you have a medical problem that is not critical or life threatening, including for blood pressure checks or minor cuts and wounds.
There are no X-Ray or blood taking facilities.
You will be seen by a highly-qualified nurse or paramedic practitioner who can assess, diagnose and provide treatment for medical problems that are more urgent than a routine GP appointment but not critical or life-threatening such as:
- Coughs, colds, flu, sore throats, earaches
- Minor eye irritations or infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Minor injuries (including minor head injuries)
- Minor wounds
- Sprains and strains
- Minor burns
- Bites or stings
- Minor skin infections
- Rashes
What would be better treated elsewhere
- Broken bones
- Abdominal pain
- Hip injuries
- Major trauma injuries
- Children under 2 years old
- Overdoses
- Alcohol or drug related issues
- Sudden loss of vision
- Diabetes issues
- Mental Health
- Rectal pain
- Pregnancy or gynae issues
- Mouth ulcers
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Indigestion
- Acne
- Athlete’s foot
- Tooth pain
- Gum problems
- Blurred or reduced vision
This is not a full list of conditions: if in any doubt call 111 to be directed to an appropriate service.
Make the right choice
Self-care
Having a well-stocked medicine and first aid cabinet at home will mean you can deal with many minor injuries and ailments without needing to come to a minor injury unit or walk-in centre. It also means the staff in the department can concentrate on looking after people who need help.
Pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can give advice and administer medication for many conditions. They have fully trained staff and often have a private room to speak about confidential matters. Pharmacists can give advice on and treat:
- Coughs
- Colds
- Sore throats
- Ear infections
- Sinusitis
- Aches
- Pains
- Infected insect bites
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Shingles For more information please visit the NHS Pharmacies Page.
GP (doctors)
You should contact your own GP practice during their opening hours for any non-urgent problems. When your GP practice is closed, you can call 111 for advice. You should see your GP for:
- Any non-urgent medical problems
- Common illnesses like colds, flu, infections and minor injuries
- Chronic (ongoing) diseases
- Mental health
- Vaccinations
- Family planning
- Minor surgical procedures
- Referrals
- Unexplained symptoms
Remember
Outside of your GP surgery opening hours you can call NHS 111 to make an appointment. NHS 111 may be able to make a GP (doctor) appointment for you.
Minor Injury Units and Walk-in Centres
MIUs and WICs are for urgent medical problems that are not critical or life threatening. We advise you contact NHS 111 to ensure you are directed to the most appropriate service for urgent medical problems. However, if you have a minor injury, no appointment is needed, simply walk in.
Remember
If you are unsure about anything, contact NHS 111. Our call handlers can give the best advice on where to go or they will book you an appointment at the right place.
Emergency Department
Important
You should call 999 straight away if you are worried about a life-threatening emergency or serious injury.
All emergency departments use a priority system where the most seriously ill or injured patients are seen first. When attending the urgent and emergency care departments at the Royal Devon University Healthcare Foundation Trust, staff will assess your condition and direct you to urgent care or emergency care.
Choose right, avoid the emergency department (A&E) where possible
Hospitals are under pressure – especially emergency departments. We need to make sure specialised hospital staff treat people who really need their expert help in life-threatening or emergency situations.
Unsure? Confused? Need help? Talk before you walk Contact NHS 111 – they will give advice or book you in to see the right service. Contact NHS 111 for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year – it operates weekends and Bank Holidays.