Medical imaging has been added to the range of health services at the Weston Creek walk-in centre. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
Canberrans have a free alternative to hospital for ultrasounds, CT scans and x-rays with the opening of a new medical imaging facility at Weston Creek.
The $6 million election commitment has opened at Weston Creek Community Health Centre – and is available to anyone who needs it.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the facility was expected to conduct about 13,000 imaging activities each year, taking pressure off hospital services.
“It will mean for example, someone with a sprain or a strain … or a non-displaced fracture of a limb can go to a walk-in centre…,” she said. “…They can get that looked at, come here to have their x-ray and go back to the walk-in centre to get that fully treated, in the community, without having to go to one of the hospitals.”
Those needing an ultrasound or CT scan will still need to call the Canberra Hospital medical imaging booking number – 5124 2159 – to be triaged to see if the hospital or walk-in centre better suits their needs.
X-rays can be accessed by anyone with a referral – either from their GP, a specialist or a nurse practitioner at the walk-in centre – or a walk-in appointment if one is available.
Ms Stephen-Smith said it was about bringing care closer to home.
“Once [this service is] well established, we’ll be looking to see if we can extend the service into further opening hours into the future, particularly to support the urgent care after hours,” she said.
“This is a really big step forward for us … if it is successful it certainly is something we would be wanting to look to expand, maybe onto the northside for example.”
The centre’s new CT scanner has been wrapped in an artwork by Aboriginal artist Lynnice Church. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
Canberra Health Services’ medical imaging service executive branch manager Sarah Mogford said she was definitely keen to see the service expanded to other walk-in centres across the Territory.
“We’ve got to see if people come … we’ve got to see if it will service the community as we think it will, and we hope people will come,” she said.
The medical imaging service at Weston Creek Community Centre adds to the ACT Pathology, community nursing, renal dialysis and maternal and child health services facilities already set up at the facility.
The new CT scanner has been wrapped in an artwork, ‘Namadgi Sky’, created by Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi artist Lynnice Church.
“This a beautiful piece of art that creates a more patient-centred experience during an uncomfortable time,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“Instead of being surrounded by a clinically plain machine, you are taken on a visual journey of ‘Namadgi Sky’.”
The Weston Creek Imaging Service is now available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
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