Exclusive Scoop: Discover the Future of Healthcare with the ACT Government's Latest Health Centre in Gungahlin—Locals Rejoice!
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The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has recently unveiled plans for a new beacon of healthcare in the rapidly expanding northern region of Gungahlin, much to the delight of local residents who have long voiced their need for better access to medical services. This announcement comes as a breath of fresh air for those like Moira Smith, who have faced the inconvenience of traveling significant distances to find specialist care.
Moira, who relocated from Goulburn to Canberra's north, has been caught in a predicament that many of us can relate to—struggling to secure an appointment with a medical specialist. 'Trying to find medical places that service you outside of your GP is not easy,' she lamented. After a year-long wait to see a rheumatologist in Canberra, Moira had no choice but to return to Goulburn for her medical needs. 'They got me on the number one priority list, but that's it. So rheumatologists are like hen's teeth,' she explained.
The plight of Moira and others in the Casey area underscores the growing demand for comprehensive healthcare services in the region. Antoinette Wade, a local resident with over four decades of experience in health services and allied health, echoed this sentiment. She expressed her shock at the scarcity of services in the area, highlighting the urgent need for local pathology, X-ray services, and better ambulance access. Antoinette also pointed out the challenges posed by inadequate transport links to existing services, a concern that resonates with many in the community.
In response to these pressing needs, the ACT government has stepped up with the announcement of the new North Gungahlin Health Centre, strategically located in Casey near the shopping centre and close to transport links. With a nearly $22 million investment earmarked in the upcoming budget, the government is set to fund the design and construction of the centre, which promises to be a game-changer for local healthcare.
The centre is poised to host a 'multi-disciplinary' team of health professionals, including nurses and allied health workers, with a focus on preventive health and chronic disease management. Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith emphasized the centre's role in supporting community wellness, stating, 'This is not an urgent care walk-in centre. This is around support for people to keep them well in the community, preventive health.'
The government's commitment to enhancing primary care is evident as they work closely with local GPs to understand and address the community's health concerns. However, the minister faced scrutiny over the slow progress in delivering on the five similar health centres promised at the 2020 election. With only the Molonglo centre opened in 2022 and sites announced for south Tuggeranong and now Casey, the community eagerly awaits the unveiling of the remaining centres.
Despite the delays, the government remains steadfast in its pledge to improve healthcare infrastructure, with Minister Stephen-Smith assuring that more information on the west Belconnen and Inner South centres will be forthcoming. She also highlighted the lack of commitment from the Canberra Liberals to these health centres, a point of contention as the community seeks tangible progress.
Leanne Castley, the Canberra Liberals health spokesperson, voiced the community's frustration with the government's sluggish rollout of the health centres. 'When a government promises something in an election, they are on the hook to deliver that for the people that vote for them,' she stated, calling for the government to fulfill its promises without further delay.
As we at the Seniors Discount Club celebrate this promising development, we also understand the importance of accessible and comprehensive healthcare for our members. The new North Gungahlin Health Centre represents a significant step forward in meeting the needs of our growing senior population, ensuring that essential services are within reach.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with healthcare access in your area. Have you faced similar challenges? What improvements would you like to see in your local healthcare services? Join the conversation and let us know in the comments below!
Moira, who relocated from Goulburn to Canberra's north, has been caught in a predicament that many of us can relate to—struggling to secure an appointment with a medical specialist. 'Trying to find medical places that service you outside of your GP is not easy,' she lamented. After a year-long wait to see a rheumatologist in Canberra, Moira had no choice but to return to Goulburn for her medical needs. 'They got me on the number one priority list, but that's it. So rheumatologists are like hen's teeth,' she explained.
The ACT government announced a new health centre in Gungahlin. Image source: ACT Health/Facebook
The plight of Moira and others in the Casey area underscores the growing demand for comprehensive healthcare services in the region. Antoinette Wade, a local resident with over four decades of experience in health services and allied health, echoed this sentiment. She expressed her shock at the scarcity of services in the area, highlighting the urgent need for local pathology, X-ray services, and better ambulance access. Antoinette also pointed out the challenges posed by inadequate transport links to existing services, a concern that resonates with many in the community.
In response to these pressing needs, the ACT government has stepped up with the announcement of the new North Gungahlin Health Centre, strategically located in Casey near the shopping centre and close to transport links. With a nearly $22 million investment earmarked in the upcoming budget, the government is set to fund the design and construction of the centre, which promises to be a game-changer for local healthcare.
The centre is poised to host a 'multi-disciplinary' team of health professionals, including nurses and allied health workers, with a focus on preventive health and chronic disease management. Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith emphasized the centre's role in supporting community wellness, stating, 'This is not an urgent care walk-in centre. This is around support for people to keep them well in the community, preventive health.'
The government's commitment to enhancing primary care is evident as they work closely with local GPs to understand and address the community's health concerns. However, the minister faced scrutiny over the slow progress in delivering on the five similar health centres promised at the 2020 election. With only the Molonglo centre opened in 2022 and sites announced for south Tuggeranong and now Casey, the community eagerly awaits the unveiling of the remaining centres.
Despite the delays, the government remains steadfast in its pledge to improve healthcare infrastructure, with Minister Stephen-Smith assuring that more information on the west Belconnen and Inner South centres will be forthcoming. She also highlighted the lack of commitment from the Canberra Liberals to these health centres, a point of contention as the community seeks tangible progress.
Leanne Castley, the Canberra Liberals health spokesperson, voiced the community's frustration with the government's sluggish rollout of the health centres. 'When a government promises something in an election, they are on the hook to deliver that for the people that vote for them,' she stated, calling for the government to fulfill its promises without further delay.
As we at the Seniors Discount Club celebrate this promising development, we also understand the importance of accessible and comprehensive healthcare for our members. The new North Gungahlin Health Centre represents a significant step forward in meeting the needs of our growing senior population, ensuring that essential services are within reach.
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