Service overview
We treat small injuries that need quick care but are not life‑threatening.
If you are not sure which service you need, call NHS 111.
Do not come unless you have an appointment. You may have to wait or we may be too busy to see you.
We can help with:
- allergic reactions
- burns
- cuts (including face)
- dislocated joints
- eye injuries (we can refer you to Eye Casualty)
- broken bones (small fractures)
- head and facial injuries
- bites and stings
- minor injuries after a road accident (for example, cuts or whiplash)
- sprains and strains
- objects stuck in ears or nose
We can’t treat:
- illnesses such as earache, tummy pain, or infection
- spinal, hip, or chest injuries (we offer x-rays for some injuries, but not these)
Accessing our service
Our service is open to everyone. Call NHS 111 and they will direct you to us if we are the right service for you.
Only come if you have an appointment. We can be very busy so you may need to wait, or we may be unable to see you without an appointment.
If we’re not able to treat you here, we’ll direct you to the right service.
Call 999 or visit A&E for more serious injuries and emergency help.
Your assessment
To help us treat you:
- wear loose clothing, if you can
- bring a list of any medicines you take
- you may bring one person to help
- children and young people under 18 must come with a parent or responsible adult
You will be met by a nurse or paramedic. We will check your injury in a clinic room.
We will try to treat you here. If you need more care, or we're unable to treat you, we will send you to the right service.
X-ray service times
Some injuries may require an x-ray. Once we've assessed your injury, we'll let you know if you need one.
Our x-ray service is open:
- Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 6pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 5pm
Please bring your paperwork if you're referred to us by another service.
Do not arrive for an x-ray unless you have an appointment.
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West Berkshire Community Hospital
Minor Injuries Unit
Contact number: 111 If you think you need medical help right now, 111 online can tell you what to do next.
Postcode: RG18 3AS
Location detailsNHS 111
If you think you need medical help right now, 111 online can tell you what to do next.
Contact number: 111
Visit NHS 111Frequently asked questions
Can I send photos or videos of my injury?
No. Do not send images. Tell us about the injury when you call.
Can I call to check if you can treat me?
Yes. Call us or NHS 111 for advice.
Can you treat children and young people under 18?
Yes. They must come with a parent or responsible adult.
Will I need to have a blood test?
Depending on your injury, we may need blood samples. We'll talk to you about this.
What should I do if I can’t travel to my appointment because of my injury?
See if a family member or friend can help you. If not, please call NHS 111 for further advice.
Can I take pain medicine before I come?
Yes. Take the pain medicine you would normally use. Tell us what you have taken when you arrive.
We can also help you with:
Is there any information for friends, family and carers?
If you’re a family member, carer, or you look after someone, there’s practical, financial, and emotional support available from a range of local communities and national organisations.
How do I request an interpreter?
We can provide language translation and interpretation support.
Tell our staff which language you prefer to use, and we will make sure the right communication support is in place for your assessment and treatment. Please let us know as early as possible so we can ensure the appropriate translation or interpreting support is available.
We offer a range of professional services to ensure everyone can understand and be understood:
- Telephone interpreting
- Video remote interpreting (VRI)
- Face‑to‑face interpreting
- Written translation
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting
How can I get information in an accessible format?
Anyone with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss has the right to get information in a format that meets their needs.
The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) is a legal requirement for all health and adult social care providers. This means making sure that people who use our services, including carers and families, can understand our information and communicate with us easily.
We can offer information in a range of accessible formats, including:
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- Large print
- Braille
- Audio
- Easy read
- Text message
- Face‑to‑face support with a carer or advocate present
If you need information in any of these formats, please tell a member of our team and we will make sure your communication needs are met.
Are service dogs allowed at my appointment?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your registered service animal, such as a guide dog, hearing dog, medical alert dog, or other trained assistance dog to your appointment.
These animals are recognised as essential support and are permitted in most areas of our services.
To help us prepare, please let the team know before your appointment if you will be attending with a service animal. This allows us to make sure the environment is safe and comfortable for you, your animal, and other patients.
Please note that service animals may not be able to enter certain restricted clinical areas for safety or infection‑control reasons, but we will always work with you to find an appropriate alternative.
What does it mean to treat our team with respect?
Respect is important.
We will be polite and kind and we expect that you treat our staff in the same way.
Abuse, hate and discrimination against our staff is unacceptable.
We will take strong action against anyone who is verbally, racially, physically, or sexually abusive to them.
This may include contacting the police to prosecute, and stopping future access to our healthcare services.
How do I find my NHS number?
The easiest way to find your NHS number is using the official NHS online service which can be accessed below.
You may also want to read our guidance page for more information about other ways to find your NHS number or what to do if you cannot find yours.
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