Next week, the Weston Creek Community Health Centre will no longer be a COVID-19 testing centre; instead, it will become a vaccination clinic for people with disabilities. The decision follows the move of mass vaccination from the Garran Surge Centre to the AIS Arena last week.
From Monday 13 September, the Access and Sensory Clinic at the Garran centre will move to the Weston Creek centre, and be open five days a week, announced Rachel Stephen-Smith, Minister for Health. The clinic, which opened in May, has been a popular choice for people with disability and their support workers and carers, but was only open two days a week.
The increase to five days a week means additional appointments will be available, Ms Stephen-Smith said. As existing bookings are moved to Weston Creek, the government will contact people with appointments to bring them forward. Those who have been waiting longer will be a priority.
This Wednesday, 8 September, the COVID-19 testing centre at Weston Creek will move to the Garran centre. It will include both an Access and Sensory testing service for people with a disability, and walk-in testing for the general public, Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“While the team has worked hard to provide accessible testing in various locations over the last few weeks, I am sure this dedicated option will be welcomed by people with disability and their families and carers.”
Support staff, volunteers or carers attending the appointment can receive a vaccination at the same time as the person with disability, said Emma Davidson, Minister for Disability and Mental Health.
“The Access and Sensory vaccination clinic offers a quieter space, longer appointment times, and a separate accessible entry point for wheelchairs and other mobility equipment,” Ms Davidson said.
“People with mental health conditions are also encouraged to book appointments at the Access and Sensory clinic. You do not need to provide proof of your mental health condition, making the process more accommodating for anyone who may not want to disclose their condition.”
Access and Sensory vaccination clinic appointments for Tuesday 7 September will remain at Garran. Appointments for Thursday will be rescheduled to next week.
Appointments can also be rescheduled by calling the COVID-19 vaccination booking line from Thursday 9 September on (02) 5124 7700 between 7am and 7pm, and selecting option 3.
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