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A&E, UTC, or MIU – Where Should You Go?

Not sure whether you need A&E, an Urgent Treatment Centre, or a Minor Injuries Unit? Here’s a summary based on NHS guidance to help you choose the right service.

A&E (Accident & Emergency)For serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies

“A&E is for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies.” - NHS – When to go to A&E (last reviewed 3 February 2023)

A&E departments are open 24 hours a day, every day. The NHS 999 guidance lists examples of life-threatening emergencies including serious road traffic accidents, strokes, and heart attacks. You should go to A&E or call 999 for conditions such as:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe chest pain or suspected heart attack
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Heavy or uncontrollable bleeding
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Suspected stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
  • Serious road traffic accidents
  • Seizures that won’t stop
  • Sudden, severe headache or neurological symptoms
  • Major fractures (e.g. hip, spine, open fractures)
  • Severe abdominal pain
“All patients are assessed by a doctor or nurse before any treatment takes place. This is called ‘triage’ and helps the team work out what order to see patients in, so they see the most seriously unwell people first.” - NHS – When to go to A&E

If you’re not sure whether you need A&E, the NHS advises: “NHS 111 can check your symptoms and tell you what to do.” Use NHS 111 online or call 111. Do not drive yourself to A&E – the NHS recommends asking someone to drive you or calling 999 for an ambulance.

Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC)For urgent problems that aren’t life-threatening

“Urgent treatment centres (UTCs) provide urgent medical help when it’s not a life-threatening emergency. They can diagnose and deal with many common problems people go to A&E for.” - NHS – When to visit an Urgent Treatment Centre (last reviewed 20 September 2021)

UTCs can help with

According to the NHS, UTCs can help with common problems such as:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Suspected broken bones
  • Injuries, cuts, and bruises
  • Stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea
  • Skin infections and rashes
  • High temperature in children and adults
  • Mental health concerns
  • Emergency contraception

The NHS states: “If you need one, you can often get tests like an ECG, blood tests or an X-ray” and prescriptions can be arranged following your assessment. “You do not need to be registered with a GP or have a fixed address.”

“You may be able to book an appointment or an arrival time through NHS 111 online. This lets the service know you’re coming.” - NHS – When to visit an Urgent Treatment Centre

Use NHS 111 online to check if a UTC is the right option – you may be able to book an arrival time so the service knows you’re coming.

Minor Injuries Unit (MIU)For recent, non-life-threatening injuries

“Our Minor Injury Units (MIUs) offer advice and treatment for a variety of injuries including; cuts, grazes, wounds, sprains, minor eye injuries, strains and minor burns.” - Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

MIUs are staffed by experienced clinicians and treat minor injuries only. As the HACW NHS Trust states: “our units treat injuries only. If you’re unwell and need advice/treatment/medication please contact a pharmacy, your GP or NHS111.” You can usually walk in without an appointment.

MIUs can treat

  • Cuts, grazes, and wounds (including those needing stitches)
  • Sprains, strains, and suspected fractures of limbs
  • Minor burns and scalds
  • Minor head injuries (with no loss of consciousness)
  • Foreign bodies in eyes, ears, or nose
  • Insect bites and stings
  • Simple wound infections

X-rays are available for limbs (fingers, toes, arms, legs). The HACW NHS Trust notes: “We do not provide x-rays for hips, backs, chests, or necks.”

“If you have a minor injury, it is likely you will be seen quicker at an MIU than if you visit an emergency department.” - Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

MIUs cannot treat

  • General illness (stomach pain, allergic reactions, pregnancy issues)
  • Children under 1 year old
  • Injuries older than 2 weeks
  • Chest, hip, back, neck, or spinal injuries
  • Serious or open fractures
  • Chronic or long-term conditions
  • Prescriptions or medication

If you have an injury and you’re unsure where to go, the NHS Trust advises: “it’s best to contact NHS111 for advice. If needed, they can make you an appointment to attend one of our minor injury units.”

If in doubt, call 999 or go to A&E. If you’re unsure which service you need, use NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice.

Sources

All guidance on this page is sourced from the following NHS websites. We recommend reading the full pages for complete information.

NHS.UK
When to go to A&E

Guidance on what A&E is for, what to expect, and the triage process. Last reviewed by NHS: 3 February 2023.

NHS.UK
When to call 999

Examples of life-threatening emergencies and when to call for an ambulance.

NHS.UK
When to go to an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC)

What UTCs treat, available tests, and how to book via NHS 111. Last reviewed by NHS: 20 September 2021.

NHS TRUST
Minor Injury Units – What we can treat and FAQs

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust. Detailed FAQ on what MIUs can and cannot treat, X-ray availability, and when to attend.

NHS ICB
Minor Injury Unit (MIU)

Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board. Additional MIU guidance and service information.

This page was last reviewed by WaitSmart on 4 April 2026. It will be reviewed regularly to ensure it reflects current NHS guidance.

This page summarises publicly available NHS guidance and is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always follow the guidance of a healthcare professional. For the full guidance, visit the original NHS pages linked above. WaitSmart is independent and has no affiliation with, or endorsement by, the NHS, any NHS trust, or any healthcare provider. See our disclaimer.