The ACT branch of the Australian Nursing Federation has leapt to the defence of Australia’s first nurse-led walk-in centre.

An independent evaluation found the ACT Health Walk-In Centre assessed more than 14,000 people and treated more than 8,000 clients in its first year.

The service, which opened its doors at the Canberra Hospital last May, provides free one-off treatment for minor injuries and illnesses.

But the centre has come under fire from the ACT branch of the Australian Medical Association, which has criticised the health model.

ACT ANF branch secretary Jenny Miragaya said the centre has now assessed more than 18,000 people.

“The Canberra clinic has not failed,” she said.

“It has provided a safe and effective service which is supported and valued by the ACT community with 84 percent of patients suggesting that they would recommend the walk-in centre to family and friends and 82 percent indicating that they would definitely use the WiC again.

“Sixty-three percent of clients were treated by the WiC staff, 21 percent were referred to GPs and only five percent of clients were referred to the ED - and no one has suggested that these were inappropriate referrals.”

Ms Miragaya said nurse-led clinics offer an alternative health care option for consumers, particularly in the ACT where there is an acute shortage of bulk-billing GPs.

“The ACT ANF considers that nurse-led clinics are capable of relieving pressure on acute care and GP services within the ACT,” she said.

“Nurse-led clinics are not in competition with GP services but are capable of working collegially with GPs to ease pressure on both acute care and GP services.”

The audit found the most common cases of illness and injuries treated at the centre were coughs and colds, musculoskeletal problems and skin issues, such as wounds and rashes.