Canberrans can now access public medical imaging outside a hospital setting with the opening of a Medical Imaging Service in Weston Creek.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government invested $6 million to establish the Weston Creek Imaging Service, providing Canberrans with more options to access healthcare services in the community.
"The imaging service is located at the Weston Creek Community Health Centre. This provides a great connection to the Weston Creek Walk-in Centre and an alternative for non-urgent patients to access CT scans, ultrasounds and X-rays without needing to go to hospital.
"The opening of the new imaging service will mean the hospital service can focus on more urgent and complex patients. It will help to reduce outpatient waiting lists and reduce waiting times for those with more complicated health care needs, including patients staying in hospital," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Bookings for CT, ultrasound scans and X-rays can be made through the usual medical imaging booking system at Canberra Hospital, with appropriate consumers being referred to the new Weston Creek Imaging Service.
Consumers over the age of 16 with a referral from a GP or specialist can walk in and get an X-ray at the Weston Creek Imaging Service if an on-the-spot appointment is available.
Another feature of the new service is the Aboriginal artwork wrapping the CT scanner. 'Namadgi Sky' was created by Canberran and Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi artist Lynnice Church.
"This a beautiful piece of art that creates a more patient-centred experience during an uncomfortable time.
"Instead of being surrounded by a clinically plain machine, you are taken on a visual journey of 'Namadgi Sky'. I am particularly pleased to be unveiling this incredible artwork during Reconciliation Week," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
The addition of the imaging service at the Weston Creek Community Health Centre brings together a range of Canberra Health Services' functions in one location, including:
- The Weston Creek Walk-in Centre;
- ACT Pathology;
- Community Nursing;
- Renal Dialysis; and
- Maternal and Child Health Services.
"The opening of the medical imaging service reflects the ACT Government's commitment to delivering an efficient and integrated healthcare system.
"We will continue to invest in health services and infrastructure across the ACT, providing Canberrans with access to care closer to home," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
The Weston Creek Imaging Service will be available from Wednesday, 31 May 2023.
