The Australian Nursing Federation – ACT Branch (ACT ANF) welcomed ACT Labor’s commitment to expand the highly successful Nurse led Walk-in Centre to Belconnen and Tuggeranong. The ACT ANF considers the expansion of the Walk-in Centre (WiC) model throughout Canberra will mean a substantial increase in the availability of timely and free healthcare for the Canberra community.

ACT ANF Branch Secretary Ms Jenny Miragaya said today that “despite claims made by lobby groups such as the AMA, the independent evaluation of the Walk-in Centre highlighted the Canberra community’s high level of satisfaction with the service. The Walk-in Centre, which is staffed by a small group of highly-skilled Nurses, has made significant improvements to healthcare services and options available in the region.”

“The high rates of utilisation, short waiting times and consumers’ high levels of satisfaction with the advice and treatment they received reflect well on the Nurse-led WiC model and the skill and ability of the staff,” said Ms Miragaya.

“In addition to the material contained within the evaluation the ACT ANF has received wholly positive feedback from the community. People are impressed with the speed at which they can be seen for minor injuries and illnesses and that there are no financial imposts. It is a simple process. Walk-in Centres provide an option for Canberrans who want access to healthcare but are not able to see a GP due to the shortage of GPs, low bulk-billing rates and limited operating hours,” said Ms Miragaya.

“The Nurses who staff the existing Walk-in Centre are very experienced and highly educated healthcare professionals. The ACT ANF hopes that with the proposed expansion of the WiC model the role of the Nurse Practitioners will be expanded to allow them to deliver healthcare within their full scope of practice,” Ms Miragaya said.

Contact Person:

Jenny Miragaya
Branch Secretary

Ph: 6282 9455
M: 0409 812 932

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