MORE than 90% of people in Glasgow believe that there is a need for a minor injuries unit in the west of the city, a poll suggests.

The Evening Times asked readers if they think there is a gap in emergency services following the closure of the Western Infirmary and the loss of its A&E service.

Hundreds of people responded to our online poll with 92% of readers agreeing there is a need for a minor injuries unit, which offers emergency treatment for broken bones and other non life-threatening conditions.

Glasgow has two other minor injury units at Stobhill in the north and the Victoria Infirmary in the south.

In December last year, the MIU at the former Yorkhill hospital was moved to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to help ease pressure on under-pressure A&E services.

The transfer attracted some criticism from politicians and senior nursing officials who said the unit was well used by patients.

The move was billed as a temporary measure but the health board has not confirmed when or even if the unit will be relocated back to the west of the city.

However, the health board has said that patients will be asked where they would like the MIU to be re-instated.

A full review will be carried out over the next three months which will look at various options including returning the unit to Yorkhill or locating the service at Gartnavel General.

The board has said that it intends to sell-off the Yorkhill site eventually, which could suggest Gartnavel is the favoured site.

A spokeswoman for NHSGGC said: “We have already stated that no decision will be taken without a full financial appraisal as well as engagement with patients and GPs.

“During the winter a review of travel distances and times has been carried out, to better understand the impact on patient journeys to their nearest MIU.

“Early indications show that patients from most areas have found a reduction in both, with average travel distance reduced by 0.3 miles and drive time reduced by 0.9 minutes.

“A full review will be carried out over the next three months which will look at various options including reopening the MIU service at Yorkhill and also assessing the potential to locate the service at Gartnavel General Hospital.”

A total of 268 people responded to the Evening Times poll.

Glasgow now has two accident and emergency services at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital following the closure of the old Victoria Infirmary and the Western.

Health boards say many cases seen in A&E could be dealt with at minor injury units, reducing waiting times for more serious patients.

MIUs are usually led by nurses with no appointment necessary and can treat sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head injuries, insect and animal bites and injuries to the back, shoulder and chest.