Urgent care in WA
Urgent care clinics (UCCs) provide fast, convenient treatment for injuries and illnesses that need attention today – but are not life-threatening.
They give you quicker access to the care you need, while helping keep emergency departments available for serious emergencies.
Using a UCC when appropriate helps you:
- get faster treatment
- avoid waiting in the ED
- reduce pressure on hospitals
- access care closer to home
- receive treatment from experienced urgent care clinicians.
Some urgent care clinics are run privately and may charge fees for services.
When should you use an urgent care clinic
Visit an urgent care clinic for conditions including:
- potential minor fractures, sprains, and strains
- cuts that may need stitches
- minor burns
- ear, nose, and throat infections
- urinary tract infections
- mild asthma flareups
- rashes or allergic reactions (if not severe)
- vomiting or diarrhoea (if not severe).
If your condition is urgent but not an emergency, a UCC is often the fastest and most appropriate place to go.
Find your closest urgent care clinic
What do urgent care services cost?
Costs vary depending on the clinic and the type of care you need.
- Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are bulk billed and are free for Medicare card holders.
- Private urgent care clinics (e.g. St John urgent care) incur a fee.
- Additional costs may apply for scans, x-rays, dressings, or specialised treatments.
It’s always a good idea to check the clinic’s fees before you arrive.
How long will I wait at an urgent care clinic?
Urgent care clinics usually have shorter wait times than emergency departments.
- Wait times can vary by time of day, day of the week, and the urgency of your condition.
- Unlike EDs, UCCs often operate on a first come, first served basis, unless your symptoms require more urgent attention.
- Many patients are seen within 30 to 60 minutes, depending on demand.
First aid and looking after yourself
Many everyday injuries and illnesses can be safely managed at home. Knowing what to do and when to get help keeps you safe.
Common issues you can treat at home
- Minor burns: cool under running water for 20 minutes, then cover with a clean dressing.
- Cuts and scrapes: clean with water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and cover with a bandage.
- Coughs, colds and fevers: rest, drink fluids, and use over the counter medicines if needed.
- Upset stomach: sip fluids often and eat bland foods when ready.
- Mild allergies or rashes: use antihistamines and cool compresses.
Managing minor issues at home helps you recover comfortably and keeps emergency services available for people with serious or life-threatening conditions.
For life-threatening symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or sudden collapse go to an emergency department or call Triple Zero (000).
When to call Triple Zero (000)
If it is an emergency, it is best to call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance. Paramedics can begin treatment immediately and ensure safe transport to the most appropriate hospital.
You should call Triple Zero (000) if:
- the person is unconscious, unresponsive, or not breathing normally
- you cannot safely transport the person yourself
- the condition is rapidly worsening
- the person needs urgent medical attention before reaching hospital
- you are unsure but believe the situation is an emergency.
Symptom checker
Not sure where you need to go?
Use the online symptom checker to get the recommended care options for your symptoms and help you decide on what to do next.
This takes an average of 6 minutes to complete.
