Health services in the ACT

Child and Family Centres ACT

Located at Tuggeranong, West Belconnen and Gungahlin

A "one-stop-shop" for FREE friendly support for parents and carers. Maternal and child health nurses, playgroups, therapy, physiotherapy, childhood immunisations, parenting information, counselling, nutrition. DROP IN or phone during opening hours.

Link: Child and Family Centres ACT

Community Pharmacist

Coughs, colds, sprains, rashes-your local pharmacist is qualified to give you expert advice on many health issues.

The advice is free and, usually, you don't need to make an appointment. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give you expert help on everyday illnesses, and cuts and bruises. They can answer questions about prescribed and over the counter medicines. Pharmacists also advises on healthy eating, obesity and giving up smoking. Some pharmacists have a semi-private area where you can talk in confidence. They may suggest a visit to the General Practice for more serious symptoms.

Link: Find a Pharmacy

Emergency Department

Located at the Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT

For serious illness or injury requiring urgent attention, call 000 for an ambulance or go to the Emergency Department.

If you or someone else experiences severe breathing difficulties, loss of blood or suspected broken bones, call 000 for an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. Similarly, for head injuries - with loss of consciousness, severe chest pains or severe allergic reactions, call an ambulance or go to Emergency Department.

General Practice Surgery

For ongoing comprehensive healthcare for everyone, including those with acute problems, children under 2 years and those with complex medical problems, your General Practice is your best option.

Children under 2 years and those who have complex health issues, call your General Practice for an appointment. Your local General Practice surgery provides a range of services, including general medical advice and treatment, prescriptions, referral to a specialist or hospital where appropriate, immunisations, and tests such as blood tests or cervical smears.

If you need medical assistance outside surgery hours, ring healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for your nearest available General Practice service.

Link: General Practices by Suburb

Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation

Located at Grattan Court, Wanniassa

Gugan Gulwan provides information, advocacy, individual support, referrals and a school holiday program. Available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females and males aged 8-25 years. Drop-in hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. Referral required for programs and case management. School Holiday Program may incur a minimal cost.

A range of programs are offered to young people and their families in the ACT, including:

• Young Men's Mentor Group;
• Young Women's Mentor Group;
• Young Mum's Group;
• Drug and Alcohol Program provides support, information, referral and case management, detoxification/rehabilitation support, dual diagnosis and Friday Nite Outreach;
• Alternative Education Program (including a Numeracy/Literacy class); and
• Family Support Service provides support, advocacy, Care and Protection support, case management, information and referral.
  
  

Link: Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation

Health Centres ACT

Southside

Phillip Health Centre
Corinna Street (Cnr Keltie)
Phillip
(02) 6207 9977

Tuggeranong Health Centre
Anketell Street (Cnr Pitman)
Greenway
(02) 6207 9977

Northside

Belconnen Health Centre
Benjamin Way (Cnr Swanson)
Belconnen
(02) 6207 9977

City Health Centre
Level 2, ACT Health Building
1 Moore Street (Cnr Alinga)
Canberra City
(02) 6207 9977

Dickson Health Centre
Dickson Place
Dickson
(02) 6207 9977

Healthdirect

Dial 1800 022 222

Healthdirect Australia is a 24-hour telephone health advice line staffed by Registered Nurses to provide expert health advice. It is currently available to residents of the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. Healthdirect will be made progressively available to residents of New South Wales and Tasmania. Healthdirect is scheduled to be a fully national service by 2011.

Link: Healthdirect Australia

Medicare Local ACT

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) pledged to develop and implement strategies to address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage and has agreed six high level targets for closing the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. Under the measures, the ACTDGP will be working towards closing the gap in life expectancy within a generation and halving the gap in mortality rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under five within a decade.

Healthy Lifestyle Workers will be trained and employed to reinforce local community campaigns and provide targeted education, support and guidance for families and individuals with or at risk of chronic illness to adopt healthier lifestyles eg healthy diets and exercise and added support to quit smoking.

Link: Medicare Local ACT - Closing the Gap Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service

Walk in Centre

Located at the Canberra Hospital, Garran ACT

Walk-in Centres help people get fast, free, one-off treatment for minor injuries and illnesses. You can see a specialist nurse for advice, assessment and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries such as cuts and bruises, minor infections, strains, sprains, skin complaints and coughs and colds. If necessary, you'll be redirected to the most appropriate healthcare professional.

Walk-in Centres are open seven days a week, early until late. No appointment necessary.

Link: Walk in Centre

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service

Located at 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health service provides a holistic service to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the ACT and surrounding region which focuses on an individual as a whole person. The services holistic approach to health care means that its services cross over and relate to the each other. The operations of the service require a team approach, recognising a whole of life focus in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Link: Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service