URGENT CARE CLINIC
Galway Bay Medical Centre
Urgent Care Clinic
Welcome to the new Galway Bay Medical Centre Urgent Care Clinic: providing fast access to a same day doctor in Galway for acute illness and minor emergencies.
This service is suitable for medical problems that have developed in the last few days or hours, such as:
- UTI or bladder infection
- Sore throat or tonsillitis
- Respiratory infection or chest infection
- Allergic reaction
- Ear infections
- Flu or flu-like illness
- Vomiting bug or gastroenteritis
- Conjunctivitis (eye infection)
- Sinus infection
- Some minor injuries
- Some acute rashes (for example: shingles or hives)
Our walk-in style urgent care clinic in Galway City Centre is not suitable for the management of chronic conditions. If you are unsure whether your illness or injury is suitable for this clinic, please phone us before booking.
Who We Can See
We give priority to:
- Patients registered patients of Galway Bay Medical Centre
- Patients visiting Galway who need an emergency GP appointment while away from their usual doctor
Patients already registered with another GP in Galway should contact their own surgery first. If they cannot offer you a same day GP appointment, we may be able to see you on a once-off basis for acute care only.
Please note: attending our emergency medical clinic does not guarantee registration for ongoing GP care.
Fees and Booking
This is a private GP service. Payment is required to secure booking.
For patients of Galway Bay Medical Centre who hold a valid GMS card, please do not book through this portal. Our GMS service remains unchanged; Please contact us in the usual manner to arrange an urgent GP appointment where medically necessary.
When to Choose Urgent Care
Our urgent care clinic is designed for illnesses that cannot wait for a routine appointment and minor medical emergencies that need quick treatment.
If you book an appointment that is deemed inappropriate for our urgent care clinic (long term illness, chronic illness, pregnancy, seeking longer term medical care) we will be unable to proceed with the booking, but we will endeavour to give advice on the most appropriate plan for you.
FAQs
Can I see a doctor today in Galway without an appointment?
We strive to provide same day GP appointments for acute illnesses. Whether this is by appointment or walk-in, will depend on availability on any given day. We prefer that you use our online booking system where possible, or by email or phone call.
What illnesses are treated at the urgent care clinic?
We treat infections such as sore throats, UTIs, ear infections, sinus infections, conjunctivitis, chest infections, allergic reactions, vomiting bugs, flu, shingles, hives, and some minor injuries.
Do I need to be a registered patient to use the urgent care clinic?
Priority is given to registered patients of Galway Bay Medical Centre and to visitors in Galway who cannot see their usual GP. Patients already registered with another GP in Galway should contact their own practice first.
How much does a private urgent GP appointment cost?
This is a private service, and payment is required at the time of booking. If you hold a GMS card and are a patient of Galway Bay Medical Centre, please contact us directly to arrange urgent care.
Can tourists or visitors to Galway use the urgent care clinic?
Yes, visitors to Galway can book a same day urgent GP appointment if they become unwell while away from their usual doctor.
When should I go to A&E instead of urgent care?
If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, heavy bleeding, collapse, or another serious emergency, call 999 or go to the Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway. Our urgent care clinic is for non-life-threatening conditions only.
What if my medical issue is unsuitable for the urgent care clinic?
If you book an appointment that falls outside the scope of our urgent care clinic (such as long-term or chronic conditions, pregnancy, or the need for ongoing medical care), we will not be able to proceed with the booking. However, we will do our best to guide you toward the most appropriate care option for your needs.