CANBERRA’S walk-in centres are now able to treat children from as young as one-years-old for minor injuries and illnesses.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith has said this change provides more options for families with young children to seek local, free treatment for minot ailments, while continuing to divert young children away from emergency departments where appropriate.

She says recent presentations across Canberra’s walk-in centres have reached close to 7000 patients per month, in the first six months of this year.

“Staff at walk-in centres can treat many common childhood conditions and injuries, like simple cuts that need a few sutures or dressing changes, ear infections, gastro and minor bumps and wound infections, with no appointment necessary,” she says.

Until today (September 15) walk-in centres have only been able to treat children from two-years-old.