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Welcome to Canberra Health Services

Canberra Health Services (CHS) delivers a range of public health services, including:

  • medical and surgical services at Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital
  • rehabilitation and recovery care at University of Canberra Hospital
  • overnight and longer stays for mental health care needs
  • care for women’s health matters, pregnancy, birthing and children’s health
  • cancer care at our Canberra Region Cancer Centre at Canberra Hospital
  • palliative care at Clare Holland House
  • community care such as early childhood services, youth and women’s health, dental health, mental health and alcohol and drug services.

More information

If you have any questions after reading this guide, you can speak to one of our team members in the hospital by calling (02) 5124 5932 or emailing healthfeedback@act.gov.au

Know your health care rights

You can expect to receive high quality services and care from us. It is important you know what to expect from us and understand your responsibilities during a stay.

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights (‘the Charter’) explains the basic rights all patients and consumers are entitled to receive when accessing health care services.
They are:

  • access
  • safety
  • respect
  • partnership
  • information
  • privacy
  • give feedback.

The Charter is available in paper version. You can also access translated, Easy English and Auslan versions available. Scan the QR code for more about your health care rights or visit Rights and responsibilities

QR code for health care rights

Privacy

We respect your privacy. To care for you safely, we will need information about you and will keep records of your treatment and care.

We will always seek your consent to share information with a carer. We will only share your information without your consent in certain circumstances, for example, treatment is urgent and you are unable to communicate your consent.

Consent

We will talk to you about your options and ask for consent before starting any treatment or procedures. If you have any questions about your care, please speak with a member of your care team. We will record your decision in your clinical notes. In most cases, you are allowed to change your mind at any time if you do not want to continue treatment.

Accessing previous health records with CHS

  • We keep a record of all treatments and medicines you receive.
  • We will not release your health records to a third party without your consent.
  • You can access your own health record at any time.
  • Health record request forms are available on our website. Scan the QR code below to find the page.
QR code for Your health record

Your Digital Health Record (DHR)

Your health record is stored electronically. You can view your own record through our online patient portal, MyDHR.

MyDHR is safe and secure and can be accessed through a mobile app or on the website www.mydhr.act.gov.au

On MyDHR, you can:

  • view ‘after visit’ and discharge summaries
  • view pathology and imaging results
  • submit and review advance care planning documents
  • receive appointment reminders
  • complete pre-appointment surveys.

To find out more, including how to download the app, scan the QR code to visit the ACT Health web page Digital Health Record.

QR code for DHR

Before your hospital stay

Getting ready for your hospital stay

The section below has information to help you get ready for your hospital stay. If you need help, speak to any member of your care team.

What to arrange at home

  • Make sure your pets are looked after.
  • Consider emptying your fridge.
  • Have someone collect your mail or contact Australia Post to hold it for you.
  • Consider pausing regular deliveries such as the newspaper.
  • For longer stays, consider paying upcoming bills in advance.
  • If care providers come to your home, tell them when you are going to hospital and when you expect to come home.
  • If you are a carer, Carers ACT can arrange for the person you care for to be looked after a while you are in hospital. This is called respite care. Call Carers ACT on 1800 052 222

If you need to make a payment for your hospital care

Most Australians and permanent residents with Medicare cards will not be required to pay. However, we encourage you to check our website to get the most up-to-date information.

If you are not an Australian citizen and do not have a Medicare card, you may need to pay for your hospital stay. You will need to bring your:

  • passport
  • visa
  • insurance information
  • proof of your address.

If you have private health insurance and want to use it, please speak with one of our team members before admission, on admission or early in your stay.

How to make a payment

You can make a payment over the phone by calling the Patient Accounts Office on (02) 5103 6026.

Plan how to get there

How will you get to hospital? You may need to ask someone you know to help you.

If you do not have someone who can take you to hospital, you may be eligible to use the Transport Canberra Flexible Bus Service. To find out more call (02) 6205 3555 or email fbs@act.gov.au

Make sure you know when to arrive and where to go. Arrive a little early so you have enough time to get to the right area. If you are not sure, phone our team members (02) 5103 6111.

Unplanned admission to hospital

If you’ve been admitted to hospital unexpectedly, we can help you contact people who may be able to make arrangements for you or bring you items. Please ask your care team about how they can help you.

What to bring to hospital

Here is a general list of things to pack.

North Canberra Hospital cannot accept responsibility for any lost or misplaced items.

Documents

If these apply to you:

  • letters or correspondence we have sent you
  • Medicare card
  • Veteran Affairs card
  • contact details for your GP, next of kin or carer
  • Advance Care Plan
  • original or certified copies of Enduring Power of Attorney, Health Direction, Statement of Choices or Guardianship documents. We will copy these and include them with your medical record
  • any x-rays or scans relevant to the treatment you are coming to hospital for
  • workers’ compensation or third-party insurance claim documents
  • details of health professionals you see privately, such as physiotherapist or naturopath
  • private health fund details, if you have one.

Medicines

If you take medicine regularly, please bring them in their original packaging. This will help us know what medicines you usually take. Let us know early if you have any allergies to any medicines.

Medicines include:

  • tablets, capsules and mixtures
  • inhalers and puffers
  • creams, ointments and patches
  • sprays and injections
  • any medicine bought without a prescription from a pharmacy or supermarket
  • vitamins, herbal or alternative medicines.

If you have a Webster-Pak® or dose administration aid, bring it along.

Personal items

  • If you bring electronic devices such as phones or tablets, don’t forget to pack the charger.
  • A couple of changes of comfortable clothes and pyjamas.
  • Enclosed shoes or slippers that are supportive with non-slip soles. Avoid loose footwear and bed socks as these can increase your risk of trips and falls.
  • Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, hairbrush and razor.
  • Your continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, if you have one.
  • Any walking aids, dentures, hearing aids, or eyeglasses you may have.

Where applicable, label your items to avoid losing them.

If you are staying for more than a day or two, you will need to ask someone to take your dirty clothes home and bring you more clean clothes. Please tell us if you don’t have someone who can do this for you.

What not to bring

  • large amounts of cash or valuable items
  • appliances like hairdryers, hair straighteners, televisions, or fridges
  • alcohol or tobacco products
  • perfume or strongly scented toiletries.

Getting to North Canberra Hospital campus

North Canberra Hospital is on Mary Potter Circuit, Bruce in Canberra’s Belconnen region.

There are 3 public access points:

  • the Xavier Building is the main entry to the hospital and will take you to main reception, medical and surgical wards, Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit, Zita Mary Clinic and the Surgical Admissions Lounge.
  • The Marian Building takes you to the Maternity Unit, Birth Centre, Day Surgery, Endoscopy, the Antenatal Clinic, Specialist Outpatient Clinics, Hospital in the Home and Pre-Admission Clinic.
  • the Emergency Department.

The main entry is closed from 8pm to 6am. During this time visitors may access the hospital via the Emergency Department entrance.

There are transport options for older people or those with mobility difficulty who have limited access to public transport. For more information contact Transport Canberra’s free Flexible Bus Service on (02) 6205 3555 or email fbs@act.gov.au

Arriving by taxi or hired vehicles

There are drop-off and pick-up areas at our major entrances.

Arriving by bus

Transport Canberra buses stop at the hospital. For more information scan the QR code or visit our website:

QR code for bus

Arriving by car

We have free accessible parking at the multi storey car park on Mary Potter Circuit. Patient and visitor parking is on levels 1, 2 and 3.

From this car park, the journey to the main hospital entrance is about 100 metres.The walk to main reception from the multistorey car park is quite steep. It is best if you are dropped off at the front of the hospital to wait for your family, friend or carer. There is seating inside the front doors.

There is also accessible parking underneath the Intensive Care Unit and outside the entry to both the Marian Building and emergency department.

Parking conditions and time limits are enforced across the campus.

You must display your disability parking permit or mobility parking permit to park in one of these spaces.

For the latest changes to parking and public transport visit our website or call (02) 5103 6111.

We have a smoke-free campus

All Canberra Health Services locations are smoke-free.

There is no safe level of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke; therefore, smoking products including e-cigarettes, herbal products or personal vaporisers are not permitted on any of our sites or facilities.

We can help you quit smoking while you’re staying in hospital. We can give you:

  • information and advice on quitting
  • Nicotine Replacement Therapy (such as patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers or tablets)
  • referrals to other supports, such as Quitline.

Please talk to your care team about support they can give you to quit smoking.

Help for individual needs

If you need help, talk to any member of your care team. We can make changes to support you and your carer.

Help for a physical disability

Wheelchairs are available at the entrances to the main foyer in the Xavier building and emergency department.

Wheelchairs can also be provided on discharge through the Occupational Therapy Department.

There are lifts to access all areas you may need, as well as accessible toilets.

Help for people who are Deaf/ deaf or hard of hearing, blind or have low vision

We welcome guide dogs, audio dogs and therapy dogs to the hospital.

Our lifts have voice announcements.

Please let us know if you need an Auslan interpreter and we can arrange this for you.

Assistance animals

If you have an assistance animal, you can bring them with you. Assistance animals can stay with you while you are in hospital.

Translating and interpreting help

Let us know if you need an interpreter – we can arrange this service for you.

If you are a carer, you can arrange for an interpreter for free by calling Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

Support for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples

If you or your family members identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, let a member of our team know. This helps us plan and deliver suitable health services and ensures your health care team are considerate of your cultural practices and needs.

Our Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Liaison Service can be contacted by phoning 0460 290 742, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. You can contact our team yourself, or you can ask your care team to contact us for you.

Other in-hospital support services:

Pastoral Care

We have a team of pastoral and spiritual carers who can help you with your spiritual and emotional needs. The team are also available to help your family, friends and loved ones.

To speak to a pastoral or spiritual carer, please tell a member of your nursing team.

We can also contact representatives from a range of religious and cultural groups to support you during your stay.

The Multi-Faith Chapel is located on Level 1 of the Xavier Building, near the main entrance of the hospital. It is open 24/7 as a place of prayer, reflection and solitude for all to use.

Planning for surgery

Day Surgery Staying Overnight

You will need to arrange for someone to pick you up after your operation. You cannot drive for 24 hours after having anaesthetic.

Only bring what you will need for the day, such as:

  • comfortable, non-slip shoes which are easy to put on
  • clean underwear
  • clothing that will be easy and comfortable to wear after your surgery. Please leave jewellery at home.

We have a suggested list of what to bring.

Need to reschedule your surgery?

If you need to reschedule your surgery, please let us know as soon as possible. Phone our Surgical Bookings team on (02) 5103 6111.

On the day of your surgery

  • Shower and wash before you arrive. It is important to clean your skin, so you are less likely to get an infection. Wear clean clothes that are easy to take off.
  • Remove all nail polish as it may interfere with oxygen readings.
  • Remove any piercings before you arrive.

To get ready for your operation, your doctors may use a marker or pen to draw on your skin near the surgical area. This will be discussed with you. Your care team will let you know if we need to shave your surgical area before you go into the operating theatre.

What to expect after surgery

When you are awake after your surgery, we will talk to you and your carer about your surgery and what the plan is for your treatment and recovery.

If you have day surgery, we need to do a few things before you are ready to go home. We will let you wake up, check things like your heart rate and temperature, and usually give you something to eat or drink. Before you leave, we will talk to you and your carer about what to do when you get home.

During your hospital stay

Your care team

Your care team is made up of doctors, nurses and/or midwives, allied health team members, and non-clinical team members. You will meet different team members during your stay. Our team members wear name badges and will introduce themselves to you. You can ask your care team any questions you have about your treatment and care.

Doctors

We have doctors who specialise in different health issues or parts of the body. They will talk with you about what treatment and care is best for you. Canberra Hospital is a teaching hospital, which means doctors who are finishing their medical studies will also see you.

Doctors do their rounds (seeing patients in the ward) every day, usually in the morning. To speak to a doctor, you can ask team members when they expect rounds to be.

Nurses and midwives

Nurses and midwives are available 24 hours a day. They will look after things like taking your blood pressure and giving you medicine if you need it. Nurses change with every shift. A handover of your care happens at the beginning and end of each nursing shift. This is where nurses will share information about your care at your bedside. We encourage you to include yourself in the handover discussion if you can.

Allied health team members

Allied health team members are here to support you, your doctors and nurses in providing the care you need. They include team members from areas like the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Service, dietitians, physiotherapists, pharmacists and social workers.

Non-clinical team members

Non-clinical team members take care of the daily running of the hospital. They include wards people, the spiritual support team, food services, cleaners, patient support and customer service administration officers.

How to provide feedback to Canberra Health Services

If you would like to provide feedback about the care you have received, please speak with the nurse in charge. Alternatively, you can contact the Consumer Feedback and Engagement team: (02) 5124 5932 Monday – Friday, excluding public holidays, email: healthfeedback@act.gov.au or scan the QR code to fill out the online form.

QR code for online feedback form

Respect our team members

Your care team is here to provide you the care and support you need to get well. Please treat our team members, other patients and visitors with care and respect.

Participating in your care

It is important to ask questions about your care and treatment options. Speak up if you have questions or concerns. You should also ensure you receive all the information you need to make informed decisions.

  • Learn more about your condition or treatments by asking your care team.
  • Keep a list of medicines you are taking and what they are for.
  • Make sure you get the results of any tests or procedures.
  • Talk to your doctor about your options and what is involved if you need a procedure.

Questions to ask about your treatment, procedure or therapy:

  • Why do you think this is right for me?
  • Is this new or uncommon? Is there research that says this is right for me?
  • How many times have you done this?
  • What has happened in the past when you have done this?
  • How quickly do I need to have this? What will happen if I do nothing?
  • How long will it take me to get better afterwards?
  • Are there things about my life I will need to change?
  • What can I do to get ready?
  • Will it cost me anything?
  • What else can you tell me that will help me decide if this is right for me?
  • What if I need time to talk with my family, friends or someone else about this before I decide?

Make sure you agree with your doctor and surgeon on exactly what occurs during the operation or procedure. You can also ask your doctor or other health professionals to explain the treatment plan for home before you leave hospital.

You can write down any questions or concerns you might like to remember to talk your care team about:

Staying safe in hospital

It’s OK to speak up!

If you don’t understand something, it’s OK to ask us to explain.

If you think we might have you confused with someone else, it’s OK to check with us.

If you did not see us wash our hands, it’s OK to ask us to.

If you think we might be giving you the wrong medicine, it’s OK to ask us to check.

If you think you are having side effects from your medicine, it’s OK to tell us.

If you are in pain, it’s OK to ask us for pain relief.

If you would like a second opinion, it’s OK to ask for one.

If you would like some written information about your condition, it’s OK to ask us for some.

If you want us to talk to your family or carer, it’s OK to ask us to.

We need to know who you are

We will put an identification band on your wrist. If any information on the band is incorrect or out of date, please tell your nurse or the ward clerk. We will regularly ask you to confirm your name and date of birth and check your identification band. It may feel repetitive, but we do this to keep you safe.

Clean hands for safe care

Cleaning your hands often helps stop germs from spreading. To keep you and others safe, please ask your visitors to wash their hands.

Stopping the spread of infection

To help stop the spread of infection and germs, we may put you in a room by yourself or with another person with the same illness. If this happens, we will explain it to you. Team members may wear protective clothing while they are caring for you and you may be asked to wear a mask. If your visitors are unwell with COVID-19, a cold, flu or stomach bug, they should not come to the hospital.

Pressure injuries

You can be at risk of pressure injuries (bed sores) if you are lying or sitting in the same position for too long. If you have any discomfort or need help moving around in your bed, please let your care team know. This can help reduce the risk and keep you comfortable.

Falls

When you are in hospital, we will work out whether you have a risk of falling, and how high that risk is. If you have a high risk of falling:
  • We will talk with you and your family or carers and work together to make a plan to keep you safe from falls.
  • We will work out if you need supervision from team members to do things like get out of bed, walk to the bathroom or around the ward.
  • We will work out if you are safer with your bed rails up or down.
  • We will watch to see how you are recovering and make a plan to help you stay safe once you leave hospital.
  • We may place a sign above your bed so team members know you may need help moving around.
  • We may ask other health care workers to help us work out how likely you are to fall. They might look at how you walk, your balance and if you need any equipment to help you.

Please talk to us if you have any concerns about falls.

If you’re getting sicker

Let us know if you feel like you are getting sicker. It may be that something does not feel ‘quite right’, you have new symptoms or find it hard to breathe. If you need help:

Press your call bell and tell your nurse or midwife why you are worried. You can also ask to speak with the nurse or midwife in charge.

If you still need urgent assistance, call our Call And Respond Early (CARE) for Patient Safety program on (02) 5103 6717 and a senior team member will help you.

Visiting hours

Visiting hours are from 11am to 1pm and 3pm to 8pm every day. Please talk to your nursing team if you want to see visitors outside of these times.

Your care team may ask your visitors to come back later if they arrive when you are resting, participating in therapy, or having a procedure.

Our team members will always ask you if you are happy for us to discuss your care in front of your visitors. You may prefer your visitors to step out before we talk to you about your health care.

You have the right to choose who can visit you. If you do not want someone to visit, please speak to someone in your care team.

In-hospital services

Wi-Fi and television

Most patient rooms have televisions. North Canberra Hospital has free Wi-Fi for all patients and visitors. To access the Wi-Fi on your smart phone, laptop or tablet choose the network name HEALTHfree.

Food and mealtimes

Food and refreshments

Public food options are available from:

  • Zouki Café on the ground floor of Xavier Building. The café is open Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm.
  • Madeleine’s Café on Level 2 of Marian Building. The café is open 7 days, 7am to midnight Monday to Friday and 1am to 8pm on weekends.

Snack and drink vending machines are also available.

Nutrition and healing

Eating healthy food is an important part of your treatment and recovery. Our dietitians and chefs create meals that are balanced and nourishing to support your recovery.

We cater for a wide range of diets including allergies, intolerances, religious or personal preferences.

Three meals and three snacks are served daily. One of our menu monitors will visit you and take your menu preferences each day. Water, tea and coffee is also available through the day.

Mealtimes

Meals are delivered to your bedside between these times:

Breakfast 7.20am – 9.00am

Lunch 11:50am – 1.10pm

Dinner 5.00pm – 6.00pm

There is a tea and snack trolley delivering morning tea, afternoon tea and supper.

Food from home

We do not encourage family or friends to bring in food for patients as there may be special dietary requirements or restrictions while you are in hospital. If food prepared at home is necessary, please check with your care team to ensure it is suitable and safe.

Please do not offer or share food with other patients for their safety.

Staying on a Canberra Hospital ward

Wards and facilities

Each bed has a ward number, a room number, and a bed number.
These can help your visitors find you.

  • Ward numbers can be found on the Hospital Directory at the lift lobby and stairwell.
  • Room numbers are usually located on the wall at the entrance to each room.
  • Bed numbers are usually on the wall above the bed.

Team member stations

Each ward has a team member station. If you are visiting, speak to our helpful team members to be directed to the right room or area.

Beverage bays

There are areas where you can get water, tea or coffee in the wards. To keep you and others safe, please do not take hot drinks into patient rooms.

Ward list

We have a list of all of our ward locations. Scan the QR code to view the ward list.

QR code for NCH ward list

Your bed

Beds have side railings that can be raised or lowered. Having the railings up is useful to give you something to hold on to when you are moving position in bed.

Please follow your nurse’s advice on when to keep the bed railings up.

Your bed has a panel of buttons, or a wired controller that allows you to move the bed into different positions.

To get safely out of bed, lower the bed so your feet touch the floor.

Call bell

The call bell is a white remote control you can use to call the nurse and control the lights and television. Keep the call bell close by where you can reach it. The call bell buttons let you:

  • call for a nurse
  • turn your light on and off
  • use the television and radio
  • control the volume of the television and radio.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are located at the entrance to each room and are shared with other patients. We provide bath towels. You can press your call bell to ask for help using the bathroom. Our nurses can also arrange a time to help you with showering.

If you need to call for a nurse while in the bathroom press the call button on the wall of the bathroom.

Please tell your nurse or midwife if the bathroom needs cleaning.

Using and charging your personal devices

You can use your phone in your room, but please be considerate by keeping noise levels low. We ask you do not unplug anything that is plugged in. If you are unsure where you can plug in your device or charger, please ask a member of your care team.

To respect everyone’s privacy, please ask for permission before taking photos or videos in your room.

In some circumstances electronic devices may interfere with medical equipment. Please follow your care team’s request if you are asked to turn your mobile phone off or leave it in your room when having scans or procedures.

Preparing to go home

The process of leaving hospital to go home is called discharge.

We want to make sure you are safe when you leave hospital and receive the care and support you need after your hospital stay. You can talk with us at any time about any concerns or questions you have about leaving hospital.

Being discharged from hospital

We will always tell you what your discharge day is in advance so you can prepare. Before you go, we will assess you to make sure it is safe for you to leave hospital. We will try to make sure you are discharged by 10am.

We may check:

  • you have what you need to help you in your home. This may include things like a toilet seat or shower chair
  • you can walk and balance safely
  • where you will be staying when you leave hospital and if someone will be staying with you.

If something isn’t ready for you to be discharged by 10am (like medications or blood tests), we will ask you to wait in one of our sitting/waiting areas.

Please make sure you have a plan for getting home. Speak to a team member if you are worried about what happens when you are at home, we can help.

If you are transferring to another facility, for example another hospital, we will also try to make sure you are transferred by 10am.

Medicines and scripts

If your doctor has prescribed new medications, we will give you these or scripts that can be filled at your local pharmacy. We will talk to you about how and when to take any medications.

If you have been asked to pick up medication from the hospital pharmacy, it will be given to you on the ward before you leave hospital. We will make sure you have enough medicine until you can see your GP.

Medical/carer’s certificates

If you need a medical or carer’s certificate, please ask us for one before you leave hospital.

Important paperwork

We will give you a copy of your discharge summary. This is a summary of what happened during your hospital stay. If we have your permission, we will also send a copy to your GP after your hospital stay. You can also access your discharge summary via MyDHR. If we have your permission, we will send a copy to your GP after your hospital stay.

We may also give you:

  • written instructions for things you may need to remember, like what types of food or drink to have, or when to take your medicines
  • details of any follow-up appointments we made for you
  • contact information of someone who can help if you have problems or concerns once you leave hospital.

Getting home safely

It’s a good idea to plan how you will be getting home. If you need help making plans to get home or are worried about what happens when you are at home, please talk to your care team.

After you leave hospital

Lost property

Before you leave hospital, please ensure you have all your personal belongings that you arrived with.

If you think you may have left something behind, you can check by talking to your care team.

North Canberra Hospital cannot accept responsibility for any lost or misplaced items.

Medicines and scripts

It is important for you to follow the instructions given to you for this medicine. These instructions will also be printed on the packaging the medicine comes in.

If you have any questions about the medicines, please talk to your GP about your concerns.

GP follow-up

We will ask you to see your GP for a follow-up appointment and to check with your doctor about any prescriptions you may still need. If you have already given us permission to share your discharge summary, your GP will have all the information they need for your appointment.

Outpatient appointments

After your stay in hospital, you are an outpatient.

You may need to come to an outpatient appointment after your hospital stay.

We will tell you about your appointment date and time by either:

  • making your appointment before you leave hospital
  • contacting you once you are at home
  • sending you a letter with an appointment time.

There are some services you can self-refer to, or you can ask your GP or other health care worker to refer you.

We have a list of our services and clinics on our website. Scan the QR code to view.

QR code for CHS services and clinics

Caring for you in the community

We have outpatient and community-based services and clinics. These are services in your local community providing health care, such as:

  • physiotherapy after an operation
  • follow-up appointments with nurses
  • counselling support and social work

Walk-in Centres

Did you know that you can pop into a Walk-in Centre to have your bandages or dressing changed?

Walk-in Centres provide free health care for non-life threatening injuries and illnesses to anyone who is over one year of age.

The centres are open 7 days a week, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day between 7.30am and 10pm. You don’t need to make an appointment.

Walk-in Centres can provide you with a health assessment and treatment for a wide range of health needs, including:

  • common colds and influenza (you should have a RAT test first)
  • conjunctivitis
  • cuts, abrasions, bruises and burns
  • sinusitis, tonsillitis, middle and
  • outer ear infections
  • ear wax removal
  • emergency contraception
  • school sores
  • simple gastroenteritis
  • skin conditions
  • sick certificates
  • simple limb injuries
  • Tetanus boosters if needed when you have an injury
  • urinary tract infections (for women only).

We are staffed by Advance Practice Nurses and Nurse Practitioners. If your health needs are more than we can provide, we will direct or support you to the right care.

Locations

Belconnen
Corner of Lathlain and Cohen Street, Belconnen

Dickson
Dickson Place, between Dickson Place and Cowper Street, Dickson

Gungahlin
Ernest Cavanagh Street, near Hinder Street, Gungahlin

Tuggeranong
Corner of Pitman and Cowlishaw Street, Greenway

Weston Creek
Parkinson Street, Weston Creek.

What to do if you’re not getting better

If you are not getting better, you should talk to your GP or attend a Walk-in Centre. If you are very sick, please call 000 or attend the nearest emergency department.

Useful contacts

Canberra Health Services:

Access Mental Health

24 hours/seven days a week
Phone: 1800 629 354

For people who have concerns about their own or someone else’s mental health. We provide information, make recommendations, and/or refer you for further mental health support.

North Canberra Hospital Switchboard

24 hours/seven days a week
Phone: (02) 5103 6111

Provide feedback about your experience

Phone: (02) 5124 5932
Email: healthfeedback@act.gov.au

Advocacy and support organisations in the ACT:

Health Care Consumers’ Association of the ACT (HCCA)

Phone: (02) 6230 7800
Email: adminofficer@hcca.org.au
Web: www.hcca.org.au

Carers ACT

Phone: (02) 6296 9900
Email: carers@carersact.org.au
Web: www.carersact.org.au

ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS)

Phone: (02) 6242 5060
Email: adacas@adacas.org.au
Web: www.adacas.org.au

Advocacy for Inclusion (AFI)

Phone: (02) 6257 4005
Email: info@advocacyforinclusion.org
Web: www.advocacyforinclusion.org

Women with Disabilities ACT (WWDACT)

Email: info@wwdact.org.au
Web: www.wwdact.org.au

Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS)

Phone: (02) 6248 8577

Multicultural Hub Canberra

Phone: (02) 6100 4611
Email: info@mhub.org.au
Web: www.mhub.org.au