Accredited urgent care clinics are assessed against RNZCUC’s Urgent Care Standard (UCS), which sets and checks standards of equipment, staffing, systems, and policies. They hold a contract with ACC to provide urgent care.

They are open 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays, from 8am to at least 8pm.  Some are open 24 hours per day.  They provide care on a no-appointment bases. Patients present with acute injuries or illnesses and are prioritised on arrival.  Clinics are equipped and staffed to manage urgent medical problems and accidents, and offer x-ray, fracture clinics, a slit lamp for eye conditions, and complex wound management facilities.  Typically, urgent care clinics are co-located with pharmacy, physiotherapy, and dental services. Some have specialist clinics.

Clinics are assessed against the urgent care standard every three years, with additional surveillance audits at the 18-month point.  Clinics are required to inform ACC and RNZCUC should they not be able to satisfy the requirements of their contract or UCS.  Typically, dispensation is granted for very short periods of non-compliance as long as appropriate safety measures are in place.  The clinic may be directed to seek formal dispensation for some requirements (for example, when a suitable medical director is not available).