Australia's leading medical and academic experts have praised the University of Canberra's new campus Health Hub as an opportunity for better integration of vital services and learning.
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University chancellor Tom Calma officially opened the $15 million facility, a partnership with Ochre Health, the Department of Health and Ageing and Health Workforce Australia, on Tuesday.
The Health Hub has a GP super clinic, an e-health lab, public health services, medical imaging, a chemist, pathology and allied health services.
Vice-chancellor Stephen Parker and Ochre Health chief executive John Burns said student placement and research opportunities would be extended by the facility, located in the campus' growing health precinct.
The new University of Canberra Public Hospital will be built nearby.
As part of the opening, Dr Calma viewed technology which allows GP, specialist and patient consultations across high-speed internet and allowing for high-definition heart scans.
ACT Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson and federal Labor health spokeswoman Catherine King joined the proceedings.
Dr Calma said the building would attract students and researchers to Canberra and would create jobs.
''We are now able to lead the way further than ever before through the faculty of health clinics here at the Health Hub.
''The opportunities presented by the hub to integrate teaching and research for better health are very exciting,'' Dr Calma said. ''The hub will benefit not only our students but the ACT and surrounding regions with this range of services and facilities.''
Dean of the University of Canberra faculty of health Diane Gibson said some of the facility's services had begun operation last month, and eight doctors were already in the GP clinic.
''Members of the public have been very generous with their time, in coming and having a slightly slower consultation because students tend to take that little bit longer as they learn about patients's conditions,'' she said.
The facility also has a National ICT Australia demonstration space for e-health.
''For this area, the large community which includes 15,000 students and also faculty and the new suburb of Lawson, this will be a vital service,'' Professor Gibson said.
