Health services in community are an important part of your health care management. There are a number of services and health experts that you can access outside of your GP when you have questions or concerns about your health.
Who they are
Pharmacists are experts in medicines. A pharmacy (chemist) is responsible for producing, supplying and advising you about safe use of medication. Pharmacists work together with doctors, hospitals and allied health professionals.
How they can help
You can visit your local pharmacy to purchase medications, first aid supplies, collect prescriptions, and seek health advice for common conditions and minor injuries.
Your pharmacist is able to advise about safe use of medications including:
• Dosage and drug interactions (with other substances or drugs)
• Potential side effects and allergies
• Advising on best over-the-counter and generic (non-name brand medicines, which are usually cheaper) medicines for you
• Preparing a medicine especially for you if needed
• Giving lifestyle advice and general health information
• Treating common conditions
• Manage minor wounds
• Some community pharmacies in the ACT can also:
Opening hours
Community pharmacies are most frequently accessed and most accessible health destination in Australia with many open after-hours, including weekends. In Canberra, there should be at least one pharmacy within 2.5 km of you.
Cost
Walking into a pharmacy is free.
Medicines will have a cost, as will some services. You can ask for the cost before you commit to making a purchase.
Who they are
They are run by ACT Health and offer free health care from Advance Practice Nurses and Nurse Practitioners. If you or your family have an urgent health problem that is not life-threatening and your GP is not available, you can visit a Walk-in Centre.
How they can help
Walk-in Centres are staffed by Advance Practice Nurses and Nurse Practitioners who can provide you with a health assessment and treatment for a wide range of health needs including:
If you have a sick child under 1 year old, or if you have a serious injury or illness, you should not go to a Walk-in Centre. If the Walk-in Centre cannot help you, they will tell you which health service you should go to.
Opening hours
Walk-in Centres are open 7 days a week, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day between 7:30am to 10:00pm.
Care is available for anyone over one year of age.
Cost
All services are free.
Links
www.health.act.gov.au/hospitals-and-health-centres/walk-centres
You can go to https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/walk-in-centres-wic to see the waiting times of each Walk-in Centre.
Who they are
A range of mental health professional including counsellors and psychologists offer safe and welcoming spaces to get support.
How they can help
You can talk to a counsellor or psychologist about stress, anxiety or anything that is bothering you.
There are both one on one sessions and groups sessions available.
If you are in crisis, you need to make sure you access a crisis service.
Opening hours
Regular clinics are usually open Monday – Friday.
Crisis centres are available 24 hours.
Cost
It depends on the service provider. You can access free services via the Mental Health Centre’s in Canberra City or Tuggeranong.
Private providers will have a cost.
Links
Who they are
Doctors and nurses with specialist sexual and reproductive health qualifications.
How they can help
They provide free or low cost services for:
Opening hours
They are usually open Monday – Friday, but it depends on the clinic.
Cost
There are free and low cost clinics. Visit our Health Services Map for details.
Who they are
The Women’s Health Service is offered to women, by women.
How they can help
The services include:
The nursing and medical team see women from 14 years of age and above who find it difficult to access health in the ACT due to:
The counsellor sees women aged 18 years and above who have experienced abuse and/or neglect in childhood or adulthood.
Opening hours
By appointment only, Monday and Thursday.
You can call to make an appointment between 8:30-4:30 Mon-Fri.
Cost
These services are free for Medicare card holders.
Links
For more information see https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/womens-health-service
