The new Canberra Health Services at Molonglo, which was officially opened today by ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith, will offer families in the growing Molonglo Valley access to free healthcare.

The centre, which was an ACT Labor 2020 election commitment, will provide free pregnancy care, maternal and child health, women’s health counselling and children’s asthma care appointments to Canberrans in the Molonglo region.

Ms Stephen-Smith said it is the first of five new health centres the ACT Government will be opening across the Territory over the next few years.

“The new centres are part of the ACT Government’s ‘care closer to home’ network, which includes the existing five nurse-led Walk in Centres, six Community Health Centres and child and family health clinics across the Territory.

“This centre will support the Molonglo Valley’s growing population, which is expected to surpass 50,000 residents by 2041, and help meet the needs of the many families who live in the area.

“Featuring six consulting rooms, Canberra Health Services at Molonglo will be operated by a team of highly skilled registered nurses and midwives.

“By co-locating the new centre alongside the primary care provider Molonglo Valley Medical Centre at the Coombs site, we’re creating the opportunity to explore new ways of integrating care across Canberra Health Services and general practice.

“This service complements the Weston Creek Walk-In Centre and Community Health Centre, which will soon be home to a new public medical imaging service. This will give the community access to a broader range of health services closer to home than ever before.

“We have been listening to the Molonglo Valley community about what is most needed in this growing community and will be consulting more in the coming months to explore other health services that could be delivered from CHS at Molonglo.

“This consultation will be part of a broader engagement with Canberrans on the southside about the health services and model of care options for the new Inner South and South Tuggeranong health centres as well as how best to deliver health care closer to home right through all Canberra Health Services facilities, in-reach and outreach services,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“We expect that Canberra Health Services at Molonglo centre will maintain its focus on providing preventive care and advice, early intervention and the management of acute and chronic complex illnesses.”

“It’s all about ensuring that every Canberran can access the healthcare they need, where and when they need it,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.