Minor Injuries


With appropriate advice, many injuries and wounds can be safely managed without need to go to hospital. However there are times, of course, when it is important to get checked-out.

As well as the traditional Accident & Emergency departments at Frenchay and BRI Hospitals, there are now two minor injury units where you can be assessed- and if necessary have an Xray there and then. There is no need to make an appointment so just turn-up. However, just like both A&E Departments they do not see minor illness.

Yate Minor Injury Unit
The Yate West Gate Centre
21 West Walk
Yate, BS37 4AX 


Opening times:
Monday- Friday     8am- 8pm
Weekends            10am- 2pm

Southmead Minor Injury Unit
Southmead Hospital
Bristol, BS10 5ND


Opening times:
Everyday             9am- 9pm


If your injuries are more urgent please go to the nearest hospital A&E department. Alternatively if you are unsure, you can of course contact the surgery for advice, or phone NHS Direct which is open 24 hours a day on 0845 4647.

Minor Illness

With many complaints, it can be a good idea to try over the counter medication before contacting the GP. Local Pharmacists are well placed to give advice on a range of over-the-counter medication that can help with symptom relief and are always happy to help. Further support is also available from NHS Direct and your GP if you have any problems- just get in touch.

Coughs
Most coughs are the result of a viral infection and resolve on their own with time- they are not helped by antibiotics. However, please contact the doctor for advice if:

  • The cough continues for more than 1-2 weeks
  • It is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or if you are coughing up blood
  • You have a lung condition like Asthma or COPD
  • You have Diabetes or have been admitted to hospital in the past 12 months

Head Lice
These are common, particular in children, and can be easily treated with wet combing and medicated head lotions, available without prescription from chemists. Other members of the family should be checked, especially looking in the hairs behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, but only the affected person needs to be treated. For further advice contact your Health Visitor.

Earache
Earache is a common symptom in young children and is frequently the result of a cold. Symptoms typically settle within 48 hours- and do not usually need antibiotics. The mose important treatment that you can therefore give your child is regular paracetamol (calpol) and/or ibuprofen. As symptoms often start at night, please do not hesitate to contact NHS Direct or Frendoc out of hours GP service if you have any questions or concerns.

Reasons for seeing the GP, and when antibiotics may be required, would include:

  • Persistent earache or fever after 48 hours, especially in children less than 2 years old
  • Visible discharge from the ear
  • Persistent hearing loss after an ear infection (glue ear)

Diarrhoea
Most diarrhoeal illnesses are short lasting and do not need any specific treatment. Just drink plenty of clear fluids. There is no strict rule about starvation, but eating may be accompanied by intermittent cramping pains. Antidiarrhoea tablets should never be used for children - they make the illness worse. Sugar/salt replacement sachets (eg Dioralyte) are specially made for use in diarrhoea and vomiting and are available from the chemist without prescription. You should see the doctor if the diarrhoea does not start to settle within 48 hours, if the pain is continuous rather than intermittent or if the motions are blood-stained. Severe diarrhoea in infants under 6 months, or if a child is vomiting as well, are also reasons to consult your doctor.

Vomiting
Fluid replacement is vital- sip small quantities of water little and often. Eat nothing initially but then as the stomach settles take semi-solid food to start such as soups before returning to a normal diet. See the doctor if vomiting:

  • Is accompanied by continuous stomach pain
  • Lasts for more than 24 hours
  • If it is associated with a persistent fever
  • If there are symptoms of another infection e.g. earache or pain on passing water

Nose Bleeds
Sit forward and squeeze the bottom, soft part, of the nose on both sides for ten minutes, repeat the procedure if necessary. Ring the doctor for advice if you are unable to control heavy bleeding.