Emerald Urgent Care to bring new clinic to Derry in early 2026

Emerald Urgent Care is set to open a new Independent Urgent Treatment Centre in Derry in early 2026, a move that will significantly enhance accessible healthcare options for the North West community.

This expansion follows the successful launches of the company's Belfast and Enniskillen clinics and aims to bridge the gap between general practice and emergency care. The Derry location will offer quick, same-day access to experienced healthcare professionals for urgent but non-emergency conditions.

With patient demand driving rapid expansion, the Derry clinic will mirror Emerald’s proven model of providing walk-in and same-day appointments for urgent but non-emergency conditions, offering patients quick access to experienced Paramedic Practitioners, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and GPs.

Emerald Urgent Care, Enniskillen, is set to open in the West in mid-December, followed by Derry and Coleraine clinics in the first half of 2026. With plans to serve local communities across Northern Ireland, Emerald Urgent Care is carving out its niche as the region’s network of Independent Urgent Treatment Centres, delivering a vital solution to growing pressures on both GP surgeries and hospital A&E departments.

Founded by Managing Director and paramedic, Jonny Davies, and business partner, Stuart Thornhill, Emerald Urgent Care was established to bridge the gap between general practice and emergency care, providing fast, accessible, walk-in treatment for urgent but non-emergency health concerns.

Since opening its doors in Belfast’s Healthworks medical hub earlier this year, Emerald Urgent Care has experienced significant growth in patient numbers, with the clinic now open seven days week, and capable of treating up to 90 patients a day.

Jonny Davies, Managing Director of Emerald Urgent Care, said: “The response to our Belfast clinic has been incredible. We’ve seen a significant rise in footfall from patients looking for timely, professional care without the long waits that are now common in A&E. This demand has given us the confidence and determination to expand our services across Northern Ireland.

“Our goal is to make high-quality urgent care accessible to as many people as possible, and this expansion is a vital step in achieving that.”

Emerald’s new locations in Enniskillen, Derry, and Coleraine will mirror the Belfast model, offering same-day appointments, online booking, and extended opening hours, seven days a week.

The company has also launched a Virtual Appointments service, enabling patients across Northern Ireland, no matter where they are, to speak directly with a clinician via phone or video call. Following the consultation, they can receive a diagnosis and have prescriptions sent straight to their local pharmacy, all without leaving home.

Sharon Giddings, Programme Director at Emerald Urgent Care, added: “Our expansion is about more than opening new clinics, it’s about reaching into every community across Northern Ireland and ensuring people have access to quality urgent care when and where they need it. We’re proud to be establishing a network of Independent Urgent Treatment Centres that complement GP and hospital services, helping to ease the pressure on the wider healthcare system while putting patients first.”

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Emerald Healthcare Group director and business partner, Stuart Thornhill, said: “From the outset, Emerald Urgent Care was built on a simple principle, fast access to the right care, delivered by experienced healthcare professionals.

“The expansion of our clinics reflects a proven demand for this model and our continued commitment to easing pressure on the public healthcare system while putting patients first. Today’s news is an additional four locations, but this is just the start of the journey.”

Emerald Urgent Care clinics treat a wide range of urgent but non-emergency conditions, including infections, minor injuries, burns, allergic reactions, fevers, and diagnostic needs. Patients can walk in or book online for same-day appointments with experienced Paramedic Practitioners, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and GPs.

For more information and to book an appointment, visit www.emeraldurgentcare.co.uk.