A new healthcare centre has opened in Molonglo Valley to provide free access to pregnancy care, maternal and children's health, women's health counselling and children's asthma care appointments.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said it was the first of five new health centres the ACT Government planned to open across the territory over the next few years.
"The new centres are part of the ACT Government's 'care closer to home' network, which includes the existing five nurse-led Walk in Centres, six Community Health Centres and child and family health clinics across the territory," she said.
"This centre will support the Molonglo Valley's growing population, which is expected to surpass 50,000 residents by 2041, and help meet the needs of the many families who live in the area."
The centre features six consulting rooms and will be operated by registered nurses and midwives.
"By co-locating the new centre alongside the primary care provider Molonglo Valley Medical Centre at the Coombs site, we're creating the opportunity to explore new ways of integrating care across Canberra Health Services and general practice," Minister Smith said.
"This service complements the Weston Creek Walk-In Centre and Community Health Centre, which will soon be home to a new public medical imaging service. This will give the community access to a broader range of health services closer to home than ever before.
"We have been listening to the Molonglo Valley community about what is most needed in this growing community and will be consulting more in the coming months to explore other health services that could be delivered from Canberra Health Services at Molonglo.
"It's all about ensuring that every Canberran can access the healthcare they need, where and when they need it."
