Walk-In Service

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The Walk-In Service is located in Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh (Uist and Barra Hospital) in Balivanich, Benbecula, and is open Monday to Friday 9am – 5:30pm.

The service provides same day GP-level care for urgent medical conditions that can be managed in a single visit. Eligible patients can use the walk-in service if they have an urgent, non-emergency health concern, cannot attend their usual GP practice and need to be seen that day.

Who can use the service?

You can use this service if you:

• Live in Uist and are registered with North Uist, Benbecula or South Uist Medical Practice.
• Are a visitor or temporary resident in the Uist or Barra area.
• Have an urgent health concern that needs attention the same day and cannot attend your usual GP practice.

Conditions we can help with

Examples include:

• New pain or fever.
• Throat, ear or chest infections.
• New urinary symptoms.
• Skin conditions, infections or rashes.
• Stomach or bowel problems.
• Muscle, joint or back pain.
• Urgent women's health issues, such as infections or emergency contraception.

This list is not exhaustive. Clinical staff will assess each patient individually.

When the walk-in service is not appropriate

Please call 999 or attend the Emergency Department if you have:

• Chest pain.
• Suspected stroke.
• Severe breathing difficulties.
• Heavy bleeding.
• Serious injuries such as broken bones, severe burns or deep wounds.

Please call NHS24 on 111 for minor injuries such as sprains, minor burns or minor cuts.

Children under 5 years of age and pregnant patients should contact their usual GP practice or healthcare professional.

Find out more about getting the right care in the right place here.

Services not provided

The walk-in service does not provide:

• Mental health care.
• Repeat prescriptions (except emergency arrangements for visitors).
• Medication reviews.
• Routine sexual health checks.
• Dental care.
• Fit notes.
• Vaccinations.
• Ear syringing.
• Requests for blood tests, scans, referrals, second opinions or expedited referrals.

Patients attending with non-urgent conditions may be directed to a more appropriate service.

Before you attend

• Please arrive at least 45 minutes before closing time.
• Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis, although those with more clinical needs may be prioritised.
• Waiting times vary depending on demand.
• Depending on your needs, you may be seen by a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
• During periods of exceptionally high demand, the service may stop accepting new patients before closing to ensure safe care.

Ongoing healthcare needs

The walk-in service is designed for urgent, same-day problems only and cannot provide ongoing care for chronic conditions. Visitors staying for an extended period should register temporarily with a local GP practice.

Home Visits

The walk-in service does not provide home visits. If you require a home visit, please contact your nearest GP practice.

Contact us

Tel. 01870 270079