I’ve played rugby most of my life, so I’ve suffered from a few bumps and bruises along the way. 

I used to spend so much time in A&E until I was told about how the Minor Injuries Units (MIU) in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin can see me much quicker. 

During a recent home game, just before half-time, I got caught up in a nasty tackle and landed on my wrist. A friend drove me to the MIU in Bridgnorth and they confirmed it was a sprained wrist, so they bandaged it up and I was on my way home basically before the game had even finished. 

The great thing about an MIU is that it’s a walk-in service with no age limit. Plus, they can also refer you to A&E if necessary or to another, more suitable, service. 

You also don’t have to be a resident of the area they’re in – perfect for my away games! 

Just make sure you check their opening hours and only use it for the following: 

• Bites, human and animal 
• Cuts and lacerations 
• Foreign bodies in the eyes, nose and ears 
• X-Ray & Fractures that require plaster only (Ages 5 years and above) 
• Minor burns and scalds 
• Minor head injuries (with no loss of consciousness) 
• Soft tissue injuries, for example sprains and bruises 
• Wound infections 

The four MIUs across the local area are located in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Oswestry and Whitchurch. You can find out more about them here.