Construction will start on a new $13.5 million nurse-led Walk-in Centre in Gungahlin next year and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
Next week’s ACT Budget for 2017-18 will also set aside $500,000 for design work on a new nurse-led Walk-in Centre for Weston Creek and scoping work on a new health centre for the Inner North.
Minister for Health Meegan Fitzharris said the Walk-in Centres in Gungahlin and Weston Creek will provide better access to health care for thousands of Canberrans.
She said the Walk-in Centres provide an alternative for people needing access to healthcare for less serious conditions.
“These new centres in Gungahlin and the Weston Creek region meet the government’s commitment to provide a better way for people in these areas to get fast, free care close to home, when they need it,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Through this year’s Budget, we are investing $14 million over five years to deliver the Gungahlin Walk-in Centre and to develop the design of the Weston Creek region Walk-in Centre.”
The new Gungahlin Walk-in Centre will be connected to the existing Gungahlin Community Health Centre which is located in the heart of the town-centre. Construction work is expected to cost around $3.5 million, with $10 million to be allocated to operating the Centre.
“Developing a centre in the Weston Creek region will provide the community in Weston Creek, Molonglo and Woden access to more convenient care for minor injury and illness,” Ms Fitzharris said.
Two Walk in Centres were opened in Belconnen and Tuggeranong in mid-2014 and are located at the Belconnen Community Health Centre and the Tuggeranong Community Health Centre. They are open from 7.30 am to 10 pm every day of the year, including Christmas Day.
People are advised to attend Walk-in Centres for ailments such as colds, cuts, stings, bites, and other minor illnesses and injuries.
“Walk in Centre health care will continue to be provided for free and on a walk-in, no-appointment basis,” Ms Fitzharris said.
Photo: ACT Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris announcing funding for the new Walk-in Centres at Gungahlin Community Health Centre yesterday (photo supplied).
Have you used a Walk-in Centre? If so, what did you think of it? Do you think it is good that more Walk-in centres are being rolled out? Let us know in the comments below.
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