The new $2.9 million Gungahlin Walk-in Centre was officially opened on Monday by Michael Petterson MLA (left), ACT Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris and the new CEO of Canberra Hospital, Janet Anderson. Photo: Supplied.
Gungahlin families will be able to access free healthcare in the heart of the town centre following the opening of Canberra’s third nurse-led Walk-in Centre this week.
ACT Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris and Michael Pettersson MLA officially opened the new $2.9 million Gungahlin Walk-in Centre on Ernst Cavanagh Street on Monday (3 September).
The centre is located next to the Community Health Centre and offers free health care for non-urgent injuries or illnesses such as coughs and colds, cuts and abrasions, muscle pains, sprains or even minor burns.
Ms Fitzharris said the Walk-in Centres fulfil a strong community need, with around 40,000 people presenting to the two existing centres in Belconnen and Tuggeranong every year.
She said that planning is also under way for two additional centres in Weston Creek and the Inner North.
“Walk-in Centres are trusted by patients, really popular in the community, and I know people across Gungahlin will be really excited to know there is now one close to where they live,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Our Walk-in Centres provide free health care closer to home and ensure people with minor injuries or illnesses are seen quickly without visiting the Emergency Department.
“Gungahlin is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, with its population nearly doubling in this decade. With the population booming, this Walk-in Centre will be a major contributor to improving the choice of public health services available for residents in this region.”
All Walk-in Centres are led by a team of highly skilled Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Practice Nurses who work closely with local GPs and primary health providers.
“With the extended hours of Walk-in Centres, and the fact they are open on weekends, they also offer another option for people who might otherwise go to an Emergency Department,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Walk-in Centres also have excellent connections with the general practice community because nurses provide referrals and updates back to a patient’s GP to enable them to continue providing treatment and advice for ongoing health and medical needs.
“We are committed to delivering person-centred, safe and effective care with the appropriate health infrastructure to meet the future needs of our community. Delivering more Walk-in Centres across our city is a key part of this.”
The Gungahlin Walk-in Centre is open from 7.30 am to 10 pm every day of the year, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
It is co-located with the Gungahlin Community Health Centre at 57 Ernst Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin.
For more information on Walk-in Centres, please visit: http://health.act.gov.au/our-services/walk-centre
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