Gungahlin families will be able to access free health care right in the heart of the Town Centre, with Canberra’s third nurse-led Walk-in Centre to open this week.
The new $2.9 million Gungahlin Walk-in Centre was a Labor election commitment and is located next to the Community Health Centre on Ernst Cavanagh Street. It offers free health care for non‑urgent injuries or illnesses like a cough or cold, cuts and abrasions, muscle pain, sprain or even a minor burn.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris and Michael Pettersson MLA opened the new centre today, which forms part of a network of Walk-in Centres being built across Canberra.
“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,” said Minister Fitzharris.
“There are already the two existing centres in Belconnen and Tuggeranong and two additional centres that are being planning for Weston Creek and the Inner North.
“Our Walk-in Centres provide free health care closer to homeand 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.
“Around 40,000 people present to our Walk-in Centres in Belconnen and Tuggeranong every year, which is testament to their contribution to health services in the ACT, and clearly a signal that this type of service is what people in our community need.
“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,” Minister Fitzharris said.
Gungahlin Walk-in Centre
Opening Hours:
7.30am to 10pmevery day of the year, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Location:
Co-located with the Gungahlin Community Health Centre, 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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