Canberra offers a range of high-quality public health services in the community, at our hospitals and even from your home.
In a life-threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)
HOSPITALS
Canberra Hospital
Canberra Hospital is located in Garran, in Canberra’s Woden Valley. It offers a range of services, from acute inpatient and day services to outpatient services, mental and sexual health services, and pathology.
The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children is also on the Canberra Hospital Campus and offers a range of services for women, children and families including paediatric wards and clinics, NICU and Special Care Nursery, maternity and women’s health services.
North Canberra Hospital
North Canberra Hospital is in Bruce, in the Belconnen district, and provides acute and sub-acute care as well as emergency services. It offers medical, surgical and maternity services and also has a range of specialist outpatient clinics.
University of Canberra Hospital
Belconnen’s University of Canberra Hospital is purpose-built for rehabilitation. It’s for people who are experiencing mental health issues or recovering from surgery, illness or injury.
Hospital in the Home
Both the Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital offer a Hospital in the Home program for suitable patients.
URGENT CARE
If you need emergency care, Canberra has two emergency departments – Canberra Hospital in Woden and North Canberra Hospital in Belconnen.
See emergency department waiting times.
CARE FOR MINOR INJURIES AND ILLNESSES
Walk-in Centres
Canberra’s five Walk-in Centres provide free health care for non-life threatening injuries and illnesses to anyone who is over one year of age. They are part of the national network of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
CARE AFTER HOURS
CALMS
If you can’t see your regular GP you can contact the Canberra After-hours Locum Medical Service (CALMS), to see one of their GPs.
CALMS clinics are open after hours on weekdays and weekends. A fee applies for consultations. To make an appointment, call 1300 422 567 (1300 4 CALMS), or go to the CALMS website for more information including locations and operating hours.
TELEHEALTH
With telehealth you can attend your medical appointment using video conferencing from home.
You can also speak to a nurse by calling Health Direct on 1800 022 222. It provides easy access to trusted, quality health information and advice online and over the phone.
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES
Eight community health centres across the ACT provide general and specialist health services to people of all ages. You’ll find health centres in:
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Canberra Health Services provides mental health assessment, support and treatment in hospital and in the local community. There are a range of supports and services available for adults and children and young people.
If you need immediate support and assistance call Access Mental Health on 1800 629 354 or 6205 1065 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It offers a first point of contact for people concerned about their own or someone else’s mental health and wellbeing or experiencing a mental health crisis.
SEXUAL HEALTH
Canberra Sexual Health Centre offers free testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Sexual health services are available for everyone aged 14 years and over, including people without Medicare, and it’s the region’s largest HIV outpatient service.
PHARMACIES
You can access basic services such as leave certificates and vaccinations at your local pharmacy.
