Knowing where to go for urgent care in the ACT

Overview

When you or someone you know needs help quickly for an injury or illness, knowing where to go is essential to receive the right health care at the right time.

CHN is interested to understand what you know about urgent health care services available in the ACT. Would you know where to go for different health care needs? What information would help you the most to know where to go?

Learn more about what urgent care is, and where you can find it in the ACT below, and share your feedback before 15 February 2026.

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Urgent care in the ACT

Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. Your responses will help improve understanding of how people choose and access health services, and let us know how this may be improved.

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What is urgent care?
What is not urgent care?

Urgent care is when you need medical attention for an illness or injury that can be managed without a trip to the hospital emergency department (ED) but cannot wait for a regular appointment with your general practitioner (GP). Urgent care examples are minor infections, minor fractures, sprains and sports injuries, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, minor cuts, insect bites or rashes, minor eye and ear problems, respiratory illness, mild burns, or gastroenteritis.

Emergency care

Emergency or life-threatening illnesses or injuries require immediate medical attention from the ED at the hospital. This includes things like chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe burns, poisoning, loss of feeling, and seizures.

If you or a loved one has a life-threatening injury or illness, call Triple Zero (000) or go to your nearest ED.

Primary care

General care includes any routine and preventative care that should be managed by your usual GP. It includes diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases and illnesses, chronic condition management, general screening and health checks, vaccinations and prescriptions, mental health advice, family planning advice, and referrals for tests, scans or specialist care.

A new option for urgent care in the ACT: Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

ACT’s first GP led Medicare Urgent Care Clinic opened in Woden on Monday 22 December 2025. The clinic is located at 33 Colbee Court, Phillip and will be open 7 days a week, from 10am to 8pm.

The clinic offers walk-in care without the need for appointments and care is bulk billed for anyone with a Medicare card. People who visit Medicare Urgent Care Clinics will be referred back to their usual GP or other health specialist for follow-up care where needed.

More information

Your urgent care options in the ACT

A range of services are available in the ACT for injuries or illnesses that don't need a visit to the hospital emergency department, but can't wait for an appointment with your usual GP. Some options include:

Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Woden

GP-led care for urgent but not life threatening conditions.

Open 10am to 8pm, 7 days

No appointment required, walk-in

Located 33 Colbee Court, Phillip

Walk-in Centre (part of the National Network of Urgent Care Clinics)

Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Nurse health care for non-life threatening injuries and illnesses for patients over one year of age.

Open 7:30am to 10pm, 7 days

No appointment required, walk in

Located Belconnen, Dickson,...

Canberra After Hours Locum Service (CALMS)

Accredited medical deputising service operated by Canberra GPs. A phone system staffed by Registered Nurses to book appointments and/or advise of appropriate treatment options or GP home visits when appropriate.

Call 1300 422 567

Open...

National Home Doctor Service (13SICK)

Telehealth medical practitioner assessment and treatment of acute, episodic illness and injury to patients and home visits when appropriate.

Call 13 7425

Open weekdays before 8am and after 6pm, Saturday before 8am and from 12pm, and...

Access Mental Health

Free phone line for concerns about oneself or someone else’s mental health.

Call 1800 629 354

Open 24 hours, 7 days

1800RESPECT

National domestic, family and sexual violence counselling and support service.

Call 1800 737 732

Open 24 hours, 7 days

healthdirect

Free, trusted health information and advice to point you in the right direction.

Call 1800 022 222 to speak with a Registered Nurse

Helpline available 24 hours, 7 days a week

Virtual GP After Hours Service Monday to Friday 6pm-8am...

More urgent health services

Find other urgent care services on the Canberra Health Services website.