What is urgent care

When GP services are closed you can still access a wide range of care through Fife’s urgent care services. 

Urgent care services are here to help when your condition isn’t life-threatening, but still needs attention sooner rather than later. They are not equipped for life-threatening emergencies and in this situation, you should always dial 999 or go straight to A&E.

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What can urgent care help with?

Urgent care can support you with a wide range of health concerns, including:

  • Worsening symptoms of a long-term condition (like asthma or diabetes)
  • High fever or infections that can’t wait until your GP reopens
  • Minor injuries, cuts, or burns
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Mental health concerns or emotional distress

Who will you see?

Urgent care services are delivered by a team of clinically trained professionals, including:

  • GPs and Advanced Nurse Practitioners
  • Mental health specialists
  • Paramedics and allied health professionals
  • Call handlers and support staff

They work together to assess your needs and make sure you get the care that’s right for you. This may involve several options including being treated on site, scheduled care elsewhere, or a house visit by our out-of-hours GP.

How do I access urgent care?

If you think you need urgent care, call NHS 24 on 111.

A trained call handler will assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate service. This might include:

  • A phone or video consultation
  • A scheduled appointment at an urgent care centre
  • A home visit, if needed

Urgent care centres in Fife

There are three urgent care services available across Fife, including at:

  • Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy (Link to maps)
  • Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline (Link to maps)
  • St Andrews Community Hospital (Link to maps)

These centres are open during evenings, weekends, and public holidays when your GP surgery is closed.

Need help now?

Call 111 or visit NHS Inform for trusted self-help guides.

In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.