Chief Minister Katy Gallagher announced today that a re-elected Labor Government will expand the nurse-led Walk-in Centre model to Belconnen and Tuggeranong.

“The ACT Labor Government has worked hard to deliver innovative solutions in health care. In May 2010, this Government opened Australia’s first ever public nurse-led Walk-in Centre at Canberra Hospital,” Ms Gallagher said.

“Since then, the Centre has treated more than 15,000 people, filling a gap in the delivery of free, extended hours health care in Canberra.

“For some families, the cost of accessing after-hours health services is a significant burden when faced with an unexpected accident, illness or injury. Low bulk billing rates also add to that pressure, so the Walk-in Centre has filled a gap for some people.

“ACT Labor believes that the Walk-in Centre model would work well within other community settings by making free, high quality primary health care services more available for minor illnesses and injuries.

“That’s why we’re committing today to double funding for Walk-in Centres and expand this service to Belconnen and Tuggeranong,” Ms Gallagher said.

A re-elected Labor Government will provide an additional $10 million over four years to support the expansion of services, as well as a further $5 million towards potential capital costs.

“Most people presenting with minor illnesses and injuries do not need to be treated on a hospital campus and we are committed to providing  services close to where people live,” Ms Gallagher said.

“This will mean that people living in the north and south of Canberra will be able to more easily access this highly skilled nursing service without having to travel too far.”

ACT Labor is committed to working with local GPs, nurses, the ACT Medicare Local and consumers to develop the preferred model and the establishment of these centres in 2013.