The Inner North (Dickson) Walk-in Centre has reopened its doors to again to service Canberra’s northside, and it’s brought back some familiar faces.

Advanced Practice Nurse Rachel Backhouse was there when the centre opened in 2020 and says she is excited to be back.

‘I grew up in Dickson,’ she says proudly. ‘I went to school here. Working at Dickson Walk-in Centre felt like returning home.

‘We’re all so happy to be going back there and looking after all the wonderful people in and around the area.’

The Inner North Walk-in Centre was temporarily closed in January this year to relocate staff to work at the COVID-19 Clinic at the Garran Surge Centre at the peak of the Omicron wave.

With the decrease in patient demand at the COVID-19 Clinic over the past few months, the clinic recently moved to the Weston Creek Community Health Centre, and runs at reduced capacity in line with community need.

Since opening in 2020, the Inner North Walk-in Centre had close to 18,000 presentations come through its doors through to the beginning of 2022.

‘That’s one of the things I love about working there,’ Rachel says. ‘We’re always busy and no two days are the same.

‘The weekends are our busiest days. With so many sporting fields surrounding the centre we get loads of people come in with sporting injuries. We see lots of soft tissue injuries, fractures, and wounds that require suturing.

‘One of the best parts of working in Dickson is the wide range in demographics. There’s the old, the young, and everyone in between. It’s a privilege to be able to assist and help people out in all the various stages of their lives.’

The centre also sees its fair share of common illnesses, bumps and bruises.

‘And don’t forget ear wax removal,’ Rachel laughs. ‘That’s a personal favourite.’

With over 22 years of nursing experience under her belt, Rachel is still passionate about the role she plays in serving the community.

‘I love science and I love people,’ she says with a beaming smile. ‘What better career is there that brings those two passions together?

‘I love the way we work together as a team and collaborate with other health services. Every day is a new learning opportunity.’

We've got more information about what our five Walk-in Centres have to offer, and directions to the Inner North (Dickson) Walk-in Centre.

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