Canberra Health Services (CHS) has launched an updated app, making it easier for Canberrans to find the most suitable health care options near them and access clearer information on wait times.
The once named 'ACT Health' app will now be named 'Canberra Health Services'.
The refreshed app uses a clearer format to show wait times for all Walk-in Centres and public emergency departments, as well as the GP-led Woden Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. People can tap on each service to learn about what they can treat, what they cannot treat and how long the wait is.
Importantly, CHS has simplified how wait times for its emergency departments and Walk-in Centres are presented to show what matters most to patients: expected wait times for care.
Treatment time varies from person to person – it depends on what they need. That's why the CHS website, app and digital screens at Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital will no longer show treatment times, just waiting times.
This update brings CHS in step with other jurisdictions, including NSW Health, Vic Health, SA Health, WA Health, QLD Health and the Tasmanian Department of Health, which do not publish average treatment times.
In addition to removing treatment times, CHS is also using clearer language when explaining how wait times are calculated, so patients have a better understanding of what they mean.
It's important to note that in our Emergency Departments, critical and urgent patients are always seen first, regardless of waiting time. The care we provide hasn't changed, and if someone is seriously unwell, they'll be seen immediately. Patients are seen in order of arrival at Walk-in Centres.
The app can be downloaded at: https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/chs-app or via the app store for free.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Dr Marisa Paterson:
"The app may have a fresh new look, but it continues to deliver the vital information people need to access and navigate public healthcare services in the ACT."
"I encourage everyone in the community to download the updated Canberra Health Services app. It's an important resource that helps Canberrans identify the best place to go when they need timely healthcare. These enhancements improve the user experience and make it simpler to connect with Canberra Health Services.
