About our service
Urgent care services in NSW help reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments. They provide fast treatment for illnesses or injuries that are not life-threatening, so you can get care without waiting in a busy emergency department.
Many centres have doctors, nurses, and diagnostic services such as X-ray and pathology.
When to use urgent care
You can visit an urgent care service for conditions that need attention within hours but are not emergencies, such as:
- minor cuts, sprains, or suspected fractures
- sports injuries
- minor infections
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- minor burns
- rashes
- insect or animal bites
- coughs, colds, or flu
- mild asthma symptoms
- earaches
- fevers or chills.
Who can use urgent care
You may be eligible if you are:
- A resident living in NSW or near the NSW border.
- Experiencing an illness or injury that is not an emergency.
- Needing medical care in the next 2 to 12 hours.
- Unable to get a timely appointment with your usual doctor or local medical centre.
How to access urgent care
Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
A registered nurse will assess your symptoms and advise the best care option. You may be referred to an urgent care service, or the nurse may suggest another treatment pathway based on your needs.
Other care options
For non-emergency health concerns, you can also:
- Visit your local pharmacy for quick advice and over-the-counter medicines.
- See your general practitioner (GP) or family doctor for ongoing health issues.
- Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free medical advice at any time.
Find an urgent care service
Use our Service Directory to find a health service near you.