Innovation in accident and emergency management: establishing a nurse practitioner-run minor injuries/primary care...

The establishment of a nurse practitioner-run Minor Injuries and Primary Care Unit in the Accident and Emergency department of an east London district general hospital is outlined. The establishment of clinical protocols, operational policies, staff recruitment and training, budgeting and publicity are discussed. The effective utilization of emergency nurses' skills is illustrated by a reduction in waiting times, standardized optimum clinical practice, improved patient satisfaction, increased health promotion opportunities and improved communication and referrals to, and from, Primary Care facilities. The potential for other such units and the changing role of A & E departments is highlighted.