A new $6 million Medical Imaging Service at the Weston Creek Community Health Centre means that Canberrans can now access public medical imaging outside hospitals.

“This provides a great connection to the Weston Creek Walk-in Centre and an alternative for non-urgent patients to access CT scans, ultrasounds and X-rays without needing to go to hospital,” health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said.

“The opening of the new imaging service will mean the hospital service can focus on more urgent and complex patients. It will help to reduce outpatient waiting lists and reduce waiting times for those with more complicated health care needs, including patients staying in hospital.”

Bookings for CT, ultrasound scans, and X-rays can be made through the usual medical imaging booking system at Canberra Hospital. Appropriate consumers will be referred to the new Weston Creek Imaging Service.

Consumers over the age of 16 with a referral from a GP or specialist can walk in and get an X-ray at the Weston Creek Imaging Service if an on-the-spot appointment is available.

Aboriginal artwork wraps the CT scanner. ‘Namadgi Sky’ was created by Lynnice Church, a Canberran and Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi artist.

“This a beautiful piece of art that creates a more patient-centred experience during an uncomfortable time,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“Instead of being surrounded by a clinically plain machine, you are taken on a visual journey of ‘Namadgi Sky’. I am particularly pleased to be unveiling this incredible artwork during Reconciliation Week.”  

ACT Pathology, Community Nursing, Renal Dialysis, and Maternal and Child Health Services are also located at the Weston Creek Community Health Centre.

“The opening of the medical imaging service reflects the ACT Government’s commitment to delivering an efficient and integrated healthcare system,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“We will continue to invest in health services and infrastructure across the ACT, providing Canberrans with access to care closer to home.”

The Weston Creek Imaging Service will be available from Wednesday, 31 May.