Page 1958 - Week 07 - Thursday, 13 August 2020
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MR PETTERSSON: Minister, what other work is underway across the territory to support Canberrans’ access to health care?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mr Pettersson for the question. I am pleased to advise the Assembly that the expansion of the emergency department at Calvary Public Hospital at Bruce has recently been completed, with 22 additional emergency department treatment spaces, delivering a 50 per cent boost to treating spaces at Calvary and bringing the total to 61. It features a redesigned and larger fast-track stream and an expanded short-stay unit to help with patient flow through the emergency department, and enhanced waiting areas to make people more comfortable before and during their stay. This expansion is supported by more doctors, nurses, administration and other health staff joining the Calvary ED team.
Walk-in centres continue to be a standout success for the ACT. Speaking to my electorate of Kurrajong, we are particularly excited about the opening of the nurse-led inner north walk-in centre in Dickson, which is due to open in the next few weeks. Led by highly trained nurse practitioners and open from 7.30 am to 10 pm every day of the year, walk-in centres provide local, fast, free access to health care for one-off issues with minor injuries and illnesses. The completion of the inner north walk-in centre will mean that the ACT Labor government has delivered a network of five centres across Tuggeranong, Belconnen, Gungahlin, Weston Creek and now the inner north, with each walk-in centre employing around 10 full-time equivalent nurses and around three full-time equivalent administration staff to support the operation of the centres.
We know that the Canberra Liberals do not support nurse-led walk-in centres. We have not had any health policy from the Canberra Liberals to date, but it will be interesting to see what they tell the Canberra public about the future of walk-in centres, should a Coe government be elected. It will be very interesting. Wait with bated breath.
Roads—upgrades
MR HANSON: My question to the Minister for Roads and Active Travel is in regard to upgrades to the Monaro Highway. Minister, why is it that the roadside signs along the Monaro Highway are covered in ACT government branding, despite the fact that this project is primarily funded by the federal Morrison government?
MR STEEL: I thank the member for his question. It is because the ACT government has made a very significant contribution to this major upgrade for the south side that will help to cut travel times for Tuggeranong residents. It will also benefit the whole region, especially in improving this very important gateway to the south of New South Wales.
MR HANSON: Minister, will you admit that these signs are misleading and fail to acknowledge the federal government’s role in this important upgrade?
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