ACT Greens health spokesperson Indra Esguerra has announced a landmark health plan to reduce the pressure on our hospitals, invest in two new walk-in centres and implement a preventative health strategy to keep Canberrans healthy.

“Putting the community first means keeping people healthy and out of hospital – not just treating them once they’re sick,” Indra said.

“We know that the ACT hospitals’ emergency departments are struggling to respond to the needs of many patients, but the solution is not just to build more hospitals – it must also be to keep Canberrans out of hospital in the first place

“Half of all Canberrans will have a chronic disease in their lifetime. One in five will have more than one. These people don’t just need new buildings – they need the right health staff, healthy lifestyle programs, and the right care and advice on managing chronic conditions.

“A system that prevents and responds to chronic disease would improve the lives of thousands of Canberrans and take pressure off our health system. Managing these illnesses properly will lead to fewer hospital admissions and a better health system for everyone.

“That’s why we’ll open two new walk-in centres in Dickson and Weston Creek to meet the needs of a growing population. They will reduce waiting times, and offer free, high quality care and one-off advice and treatment for people with minor illness and injury. It will give people another place to go to get health care and advice, without putting more pressure on our hospitals.

Ms Esguerra that this package, coupled with announcements on mental health, are about keeping Canberrans healthy, not just waiting until they get sick. And, providing them with better care when they are.

“While Labor and the Liberals have been in a bidding war over new buildings, the Greens are trying to take the burden off the hospital system. We have a plan to invest in prevention and provide more options to people who need care.

“This plan is about putting the community first, and keeping our communities healthy,” said Ms Esguerra.