Canberra’s nurse-led Walk-in Centres will join the national network of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.

The Commonwealth Government will invest more than $7 million to expand services and hire more healthcare professionals.

The number of nurses and allied health professionals will be increased, including three new nurse practitioners and three new advance practice nurses.

The Weston Creek Walk-in Centre will have an advanced scope physiotherapist to treat patients with musculoskeletal injuries, and to provide virtual assessments and support for nursing staff in other Walk-in Centres; and a radiographer and sonographer to provide afterhours imaging.

Funding will also provide more equipment for the Walk-in Centres. This includes slit lamps and tanometers to examine eyes and remove foreign objects in them; handheld ultrasound machines to examine lacerations and other wound types; and vascular dopplers to investigate blood flow.

Over time, services will include treatment for shoulder injuries, male urinary tract infections, injury in pregnancy, and screening for sexually transmitted infections.

Canberra Health Services is recruiting new staff and purchasing new equipment. They expect the full scope of additional services will be available from early 2024.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the investment from the Commonwealth Government would provide more treatment and care options closer to people’s homes and reduce the pressure on Emergency Departments.

“The extension of services to be offered at the Weston Creek Walk-in Centre, will see Canberrans able to receive assessment, medical imaging, and treatment for a minor injury all in the same location, without the need to go to the hospital.”

Nurse-led Walk in Centres provide free healthcare seven days a week, including public holidays. For current opening hours and waiting times, visit the Canberra Health Services website.