Released 17/08/2018
The Weston Creek Group Centre will be home to Canberra’s fourth Walk-in Centre, offering people in the growing Molonglo Valley and Weston Creek region better access to free healthcare.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris joined local MLAs Chris Steel and Bec Cody today to announce the preferred site of the new Walk-in Centre, which will be located at the existing Community Health Centre on Parkinson Street.
“The ACT Government is 100% committed to improving access to quality healthcare in our community, with consultation to now get underway with staff before construction on the new Walk-in Centre starts next year,” said Minister Fitzharris.
“This location was selected because it is conveniently located right next to the local shopping centre, Cooleman Court, as well as public transport options and other local community infrastructure.
“The Molonglo Valley is expected to be home to more than 24,000 people over the next 20 years, which is why we are planning now for more local healthcare services.
“Walk-in centres provide help for those minor injuries or illnesses that may require one-off treatment for conditions such as: cuts and bruises, cold and flu, minor infections, strains, sprains and skin complaints.
“It’s these types of ailments that can often be managed at Walk-in Centres, which not only benefit patients but the broader health system when minor cases are dealt with outside our hospitals and closer to people’s homes.”
The refurbishment of the Community Health Centre will also see a number of treatment and consultation rooms added within the building’s existing footprint so existing services, like the MACH clinic, can be expanded.
“This redevelopment fits within the Territory-wide Health Services Framework, which factors in plans to upgrade existing health buildings to ensure we have sustainable health services across our local communities.
“This delivers on another one of ACT Labor’s election commitments and is one of the ways the ACT Government is helping to address cost of living pressures by giving people easy, free access to healthcare closer to home.”
The ACT Government will invest around $4.6 million to refurbish and reinvigorate the Community Health Centre by adding the new Walk-in Centre.
The Weston Creek Walk-in Centre will add to a network of Centres being developed across Canberra. This includes the two existing Centres in Belconnen and Tuggeranong, the Gungahlin Walk-in Centre, which is due to open next month, and an additional Centre being planned for the Inner North.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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