Page 881 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 9 April 2014
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Mr Smyth: On a point of order, Madam Assistant Speaker, I have just reviewed the motion and it does not talk about the failure of the government to put health facilities in the Lanyon valley. So I would ask which part of the motion Mr Gentleman is speaking to.
Mr Barr: On the point of order, Madam Assistant Speaker, the second point of Mr Smyth’s motion refers to an urgent need for more medical centres in Tuggeranong. I think in the context of the debate Mr Gentleman is perfectly able to talk about other medical facilities in Tuggeranong.
MR GENTLEMAN: On the point of order, Madam Assistant Speaker, it is directly relevant to paragraph (2), bulk-billing clinics in the Tuggeranong area.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Gentleman. If you can make sure you are addressing the motion, please continue.
MR GENTLEMAN: Thank you. In regard to bulk-billing areas in the Tuggeranong area, at the health cooperative Vicky also showed us the purpose-used ECG area separated from other rooms to ensure a private and peaceful area for patients who need it. In addition, she took real pride in the community meeting room available at the centre. I think it is really important to spread the word about the fantastic work that these centres do and to show that the investments that the government is making in bulk-billing clinics in Tuggeranong are actually working.
There are also classes operating at the bulk-billing centre. These classes may include nutrition and mothers groups, two very successful programs currently undertaken in west Belconnen. I was happy to hear that the meeting area will not be just limited to use by the co-op, with plans to open it up to the community for use when needed, ensuring that no part of the centre is left unutilised.
Members interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Thank you, the level of conversation is too high.
MR GENTLEMAN: Of course, this is only part of what the ACT government is doing in the Health portfolio. In Brindabella we have recently seen the opening of the $19 million upgrade to Tuggeranong community health centre, and that centre now delivers a comprehensive range of healthcare services to the local community. The centre offers services aimed at assisting clients to better manage acute and chronic conditions in the community and closer to home while reducing the reliance on hospitals. Just a few of the services which are offered by this vital community health service are community nursing, including ambulatory care clinics; allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry and nutrition; diabetes services, including services for those with gestational diabetes; nurse educator and dietician; women, youth and children’s services; adult mental health services; alcohol and drug counselling; and pathology collection. The upgrade of this facility is welcomed by the community. The community health services in Tuggeranong will be something that that area can be truly proud of as a leader in the area.
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