Doctors in Florence: Where to Go in Case of Urgent Medical Assistance

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Are your looking for a doctor in Florence?
If you are in Florence and need urgent medical assistance, there are several options available, ranging from public hospitals to private centers and individual doctors. In this article, we will provide an overview of the main options for obtaining urgent medical care, so you can be prepared in case of need.

The Italian Health System: how does it work

Before delving into the specific options for Florence, it’s useful to understand how the Italian healthcare system functions. In Italy, the national healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, SSN) offers free or low-cost medical care to all residents and European Union citizens. If you are a non-EU citizen visiting Italy, it is advisable to have international medical insurance, as healthcare costs may not be covered by the SSN.

When to go to the Emergency Room (Pronto Soccorso)


The emergency number in Italy is 118.
The emergency room (pronto soccorso) is the primary point of reference for serious medical emergencies that require immediate intervention. Hospitals in Florence have emergency rooms operating 24 hours a day. Cases that require the emergency room include road accidents, heart problems, major traumas, breathing difficulties, and other life-threatening situations

 

Emergency Room in Florence: main HOSPITALS

Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova – Piazza santa Maria Nuova 1

Located in the heart of Florence’s historic center, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital is one of the oldest in Italy, founded in 1288. Today, it is a modern and well-equipped medical center, with an emergency room open 24/7.
Being in the central area, it is easily accesible for both toursists and
residents.

 

Ospedale Careggi

Careggi Hospital is one of the largest and most important hospitals in Tuscany and is home to the medical faculty of the University of Florence. Careggi’s emergency room is one of the best in the city, especially suited for treating complex emergencies due to the availability of specialists in various fields. It is located in the northern part of the city and is easily reachable by public transport (tramvia).

 

 

Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio – via Torregalli 3
Located in the western part of Florence, this hospital is another important center for urgent care. The San Giovanni di Dio emergency room is also open 24/7, offering high-quality services for medical emergencies. It is particularly well-known for trauma treatment.

How does Triage work at Emergency Room

When you arrive at the emergency room, the staff will perform triage, which is an initial assessment to determine the severity of your case. Depending on the priority, you may have to wait before receiving care. The most serious cases are treated immediately, while less urgent ones may experience longer wait times. Florence is known for its variable waiting times, so it’s always useful to have an alternative plan for less severe situations.

Private and affiliated Assistance Centers

If your condition doesn’t require emergency intervention but you still need immediate care, there are numerous private clinics and affiliated medical centers in Florence that offer fast assistance. These facilities are often quicker in providing care than public hospitals, and many accept international health insurance.

Medical Doctor is a private clinic located in the heart of Florence and is an excellent choice for those in need of quick treatment. Additionally, it accepts last-minute appointments, making it ideal for tourists and residents with immediate needs. The clinic provides a wide range of medical services, from specialist consultations to general visits, and offers urgent care for non-emergency situations such as high fever, infections, or minor traumas

  • address:  Via Roma, 4, Firenze – tel 055 475411
  • Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Closed on Sunday

Services Offered:

  • General and specialist medical visits
  • Complete check-ups
  • Treatment of common illnesses (colds, flu, infections)
  • Pediatric care
  • Diagnostic tests (blood tests, ECG, etc.)

After hours and holidays Medical Assistance (Guardia Medica)

If you need medical assistance outside of regular hours or when private clinics are closed, the Guardia Medica is available for minor emergencies. This service operates at night and on holidays.

  • Contact Number: 055 494949
  • Hours of Service:
    • Dalle 20:00 alle 8:00 (tutti i giorni)
    • 24 ore su 24 nei giorni festivi

The Guardia Medica is especially useful for situations that do not require emergency intervention but cannot wait until the next day, such as high fever, toothaches, or minor injuries.

24- hrs Pharmacies 

 

Another useful resource for minor emergencies is the 24-hour pharmacies, which offer quick access to medications and advice, even at night and on holidays. In Florence, several pharmacies are open 24/7, including:

 

You can easily check the updated list of on-duty pharmacies online through the City of Florence website or via medical service apps.