The Dickson Inner North Walk-in Centre and other centres, which provide free health care for minor injuries and illnesses, will remain open on public holidays. Photo: Canberra Health Services.
Nurse-led Walk-in Centres and Canberra hospital emergency departments will operate as normal over the Christmas and New Year period, including on public holidays such as Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
If you’re injured or ill and in need of medical attention, you can go to a Walk-in Centre for non-life-threatening conditions or a hospital emergency department for more serious incidents.
Many other health services across the ACT will be closed during this period or operate on restricted hours. Here is a guide to services you can and can’t access, including opening hours.
Walk-in Centres
Walk-in Centres provide free treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, such as cuts, strains, fractures and infections. No appointment is needed.
Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Gungahlin, Inner North (Dickson) and Weston Creek centres will be open from 7:30 am to 10 pm every day, including Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Note: Children under one year old and people with complex or serious conditions should see their General Practitioner.
Mental Health
The ACT Government service Access Mental Health provides a 24/7 telephone screening/assessment and referral operation for ACT residents who have a mental illness, their families and their carers.
Access will be available every day of the Christmas and New Year period and will provide referrals to the Home Assessment Acute Response Team, or other services as appropriate.
You can call Access on 1800 629 354 (free call) or 6205 1065.
Acute mental health services at Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital will operate as usual during the Christmas and New Year period.
You can find out about other places to get mental health services on the ACT Government’s adult mental health page. For child and adolescent-specific services, visit Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
ACT Pathology
All ACT Pathology services will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Some will be shut during the whole Christmas to New Year period, and others will have restricted hours. For all the details, go to ACT Pathology Collection Centre.
BreastScreen ACT
BreastScreen ACT clinics will be closed from 24 December 2024 and will reopen from 2 January 2025.
For bookings or information call 13 20 50.
Canberra Hospital Courtesy Bus
The Courtesy Bus that loops the Canberra Hospital campus will not operate between Wednesday, 25 December 2024, and Wednesday, 1 January 2025.
Canberra Sexual Health Centre
The centre will be closed from 2 pm on Tuesday, 24 December 2024, and will reopen at 9 am on 2 January 2025.
For HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or sexual assault care during this time, please present to the Emergency Department.
For other sexual health concerns, see your GP, local Walk-in Centre or call the Sexual Health Centre when they reopen on 5124 2184 to book an appointment.
Central Health Intake
Central Health Intake will be closed from 3:30 pm on 24 December 2024 and will reopen on 2 January 2025.
The community phone line will be available on 30 and 31 December 2024, from 9 am to 4 pm.
Community Health Centres
Canberra Health Services provides seven Community Health Centres across the ACT offering a range of general and specialist health services to people of all ages. Visit locations and directions to find out more. Or if you don’t know which service or clinic you’re going to, use the service or clinic finder.
All Community Health Centres are closed from 25 December 2024 until 2 January 2025 (inclusive); however, limited services are available at some locations during this period.
Community Nursing
Community Care Nursing Service is operating as usual with limited services available between 25 December 2024 and 1 January 2025.
Dental Health Services
Belconnen Health Centre will be closed from 25 December 2024, except for an emergency clinic on 30 and 31 December 2024. It will reopen on 2 January 2025.
City Health Centre will be closed from 20 December 2024 and will reopen on 6 January 2025.
Gungahlin Health Centre will be closed from 18 December 2024 and will reopen on 20 January 2025.
Phillip Health Centre will be closed from 20 December 2024 and will reopen on 6 January 2025.
Tuggeranong Health Centre will be closed from 20 December 2024 and will reopen on 13 January 2025.
Please note for all emergency treatment, the Canberra Hospital Emergency Dental Care is available every day, including all public holidays.
Village Creek Kambah
The service will be closed on Christmas Day but limited services will be available between 26 December 2024 and 1 January 2025.
Maternal and Child Health (MACH) services
MACH services are closed on public holidays. The MACH service will have limited services between 30 December 2024 and 3 January 2025. Full services will resume on 6 January 2025.
Call the Early Parenting Support Line on 5124 1775 for Breastfeeding and MACH support.
For parenting and child health advice on public holidays, you can contact Pregnancy Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. In a life-threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000).
For more information about our services, see the Maternal Child and Family Health website.
Women’s Health Services
Community-based Women’s Health Service will be closed from 25 December 2024 until 1 January 2025.
Centenary Hospital for Women and Children
The Maternity/Gynaecology Outpatient clinics are closed from 25 December 2024 to 1 January 2025.
Antenatal clinics will be closed from 25 to 29 December 2024 and on 1 January 2025. Services will resume on 2 January 2025.
North Canberra Hospital
The Gynaecology Clinic is closed from 23 December 2024 to 5 January 2025.
The Antenatal Clinic is closed from 25 to 27 December 2024.
Residential Aged Care
Residential aged care facilities will be open for family visits, but Aspen Medical reminds people that COVID-19 remains a cause of concern for elderly Australians. Additional caution is recommended.
Aspen Medical Chief Medical Officer Dr Katrina Sanders said: “This year, our Aged Care team has responded to 52 emergency and non-emergency activations and supported over 4300 residents.
“With the festive season upon us, we know many people are eager to visit loved ones. During this joyous and busy time, the risk of transmission tends to peak. To ensure the safety and well-being of elderly residents, Aspen Medical asks that family and friends adhere to the standard precautions.”
She recommends the following:
- Practising good hand hygiene: Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Following respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette: When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow, and dispose of tissues properly.
- Maintaining physical distance: Keep a safe distance from others, especially if they are showing symptoms of illness.
- Avoid visits if you are unwell: If you have any symptoms of illness, please postpone your visit to protect our residents.
- Adhere to advice and guidance from the Aged Care Provider (remembering we have the best interests of your loved one and other residents at heart). This may include using Personal Protective Equipment such as Masks, shields and gowns, especially if you are feeling unwell, or requesting RAT testing.
Loading ...
