The Inner North (Dickson) Walk-in Centre will reopen tomorrow, providing free health care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses once more.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the announcement would be welcome news to the Inner North community, with the centre complementing existing healthcare services and treatment options in the local area.
“After opening in August 2020, the Walk-in Centre in Dickson proved popular, treating close to 18,000 patients through to the beginning of 2022,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“While the Walk-in Centre was temporarily closed to redeploy staff to the COVID-19 Clinic at the peak of the Omicron wave, I’m pleased that it will again provide local residents with access to a free health service close to home and when they need it.”
Walk-in Centres provide treatment for a wide range of non-life threatening health needs, including:
- cuts and bruises
- minor infections and wounds
- minor limb fractures, strains and sprains
- ear infections
- urinary tract infections in women
- skin conditions and rashes, and
- common illnesses, like cold and flu (with a negative COVID test).
“This year alone our Walk-in Centres have treated around 70,000 people with minor illness or injury. You don’t need to make an appointment, just walk in,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“The Walk-in Centres also recently began treating children aged one year and older, which was informed by feedback from patients and staff, and emergency department presentation data.
“This change has provided more options for families with young children to seek local, free treatment for minor ailments, while diverting young children away from our emergency departments where appropriate.
“I want to thank the local community for their patience while the centre was non-operational and I’m looking forward to seeing its doors open again tomorrow,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
The ACT Government’s Walk-in Centres are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 7.30am to 10pm.
