The Code Yellow at Royal Darwin Hospital and Palmerston Regional Hospital has now been lifted.
NT Health Acting CE Susan Bowden said the Code Yellow was issued due an unusually high volume of presentations in the Emergency Department and increased emergency surgery and general medical admissions.
"I would like to thank our staff for their professionalism, resilience and dedication during a period of high demand, as well as those staff who submitted an Expression of Interest to provide respite and relief to our teams," she said.
"We have undertaken a range of measures to reduce pressure, including reconfiguring critical areas in the hospital, opening as many beds as possible, postponing elective surgeries, as well as working to open the new 32-bed ward earlier than planned.
"A lot of these measures required time to take effect, and while conditions have improved, the hospital is still extremely busy, we are continuing to monitor demand and respond accordingly.
"I would also like to thank the community for their patience and kindness during this time."
If you are experiencing a health emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Visit your GP or local Aboriginal health clinic for routine, ongoing, and preventative health care. This might include:
· Chronic disease care, including diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure
· Routine checks, health screenings, and vaccinations
· Mental health plans, counselling, and prescriptions
· Mild cold and flu symptoms
· Skin rashes, eczema flares, and regular medical certificates.
You can also visit the Palmerston Urgent Care Clinic and the newly opened Darwin Urgent Care Clinic for same-day, non-life-threatening medical issues that can't wait for a regular doctor's appointment.
Use Urgent Care for:
· Potential minor fractures, sprains, or sports injuries
· Cuts that require stitches or small burns
· Mild asthma flare-ups or respiratory illnesses
· Minor eye, ear, or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
If you are unsure of how to manage your illness or injury, please see a doctor, visit [http://www.healthdirect.gov.au] or call 1800 022 222
