The quick answer
- Start with severity, age, health history and how quickly the person is becoming more unwell.
- Suitable sudden illnesses may need same-day assessment even when they are not emergencies.
- A regular GP remains the best starting point for routine, preventive and ongoing care.
Fever, vomiting, a worsening cough or a new rash can feel urgent even when it is not clearly an emergency. The safest choice depends on severity, age, health history and how quickly the person is becoming more unwell.
Illnesses Fast Track can assess
Suitability depends on the person and how unwell they are. The clinician decides whether testing, treatment, follow-up or a different service is appropriate.
Fever, colds and flu
New symptoms that need assessment today and are not life-threatening.
Sore throat and infections
Throat pain, swallowing discomfort or signs of a worsening infection.
Cough and congestion
Respiratory symptoms without severe breathing difficulty or chest pain.
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Assessment may help when symptoms persist or dehydration is a concern.
Ear and sinus symptoms
New pain, pressure or infection symptoms that cannot wait for routine care.
Rashes, skin and bites
New or worsening skin changes without severe allergic warning signs.
Look for emergency warning signs first
Call 000 for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain or tightness, blue or very pale skin, unconsciousness, seizure, stroke signs, severe dehydration with collapse or any situation that appears life-threatening. If a person is rapidly deteriorating, do not wait for a clinic assessment.
Children need extra caution
Online information cannot determine how unwell a child is. Healthdirect advises taking a baby under three months old with a temperature of 38°C or higher to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Call 000 if a child is drowsy, has breathing difficulty, a stiff neck, a seizure or other life-threatening signs.
Seek prompt medical advice if a child is becoming more unwell, is vomiting and not taking fluids well, has a rash, ongoing headache or abdominal pain, or if you are concerned.
When same-day assessment may help
A suitable non-life-threatening illness may still need assessment today. Examples can include fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, worsening respiratory symptoms, sore throat, ear or sinus symptoms, urinary symptoms, a new rash or a skin infection. These examples do not confirm that urgent care is safe for a particular person.
Fast Track can assess selected sudden illnesses. The clinician may recommend examination, testing or treatment, or advise GP follow-up, specialist care or hospital assessment. Testing and treatment depend on clinical need and availability.
Urgent care or your regular GP?
A regular GP is usually the starting point for an ongoing condition, preventive care, a routine prescription, a referral or follow-up that can safely wait. Urgent care may fit when a suitable problem has changed and needs attention today. Neither replaces emergency care.
What to note before assessment
- When symptoms began and what has changed
- Temperature readings and when they were taken
- Fluid intake, vomiting, diarrhoea and urine output
- Current medicines, allergies and important health conditions
- Recent travel, known infections or relevant test results
Share the information you already know with the clinician. Do not delay urgent help to create a complete record. Explore the clinic's sudden illness information.
Still unsure where to go?
Call Fast Track on (07) 2113 8660. The clinic team can explain whether to walk in, see a GP or seek hospital care. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.
Could Fast Track be suitable today?
Fast Track can assess and treat non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Walk in from 8am to 8pm, Mon to Sun. Our experienced clinicians will assess and tailor a care plan for you.