The Inner North (Dickson) Walk-in Centre reopens today, providing free health care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses once more.
Health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the announcement would be welcome news to the Inner North community; the centre complements healthcare services and treatment options in the local area.
The Walk-in Centre in Dickson opened in August 2020, and treated nearly 18,000 patients to the beginning of 2022, Ms Stephen-Smith said. It was temporarily closed to redeploy staff to the COVID-19 Clinic at the peak of the Omicron wave.
- Dickson’s Inner-North Walk-in Centre opens this week (August 2020)
“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,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
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,” Ms Stephen-Smith said. “You don’t need to make an appointment, just walk in.”
The Walk-in Centres recently began treating children aged one year and older.
“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,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“I want to thank the local community for their patience while the centre was non-operational,” Ms Stephen-Smith said. “I’m looking forward to seeing its doors open again tomorrow.”
The ACT Government’s Walk-in Centres are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 7.30am to 10pm.
For more information, visit walkincentre.act.gov.au.
