A Code Yellow remains in place at Royal Darwin Hospital and Palmerston Regional Hospital due to ongoing high demand in the Emergency Department and other critical care areas.
A Code Yellow is a hospital-wide response that assists with reducing higher-than-usual demand to a standard level.
NT Health's priority is to ease pressure and improve patient flow, while maintaining quality care for our patients.
NT Health's Acting Chief Executive, Susan Bowden said in addition to the high demand for healthcare, we also had a number of very unwell patients who required acute care and an extended length of stay.
"Reducing the pressure on Royal Darwin Hospital and Palmerston Regional Hospital and providing our staff with support and relief is my number one priority," she said.
"We are throwing all of our resources and energy into this.
"We have already undertaken a range of measures to increase capacity, including reconfiguring areas of the hospitals, opening as many beds as possible, postponing elective surgeries and working to divert our aged care patients to community services when additional beds are available.
"We are also investigating every other option available, including how we can bring on the new 32-bed ward earlier than originally planned, in addition to a number of other structural changes to ease pressure on the system."
Ms Bowden said she especially wanted to acknowledge the contribution of our NT Health staff who have continued to provide safe, compassionate care under sustained pressure.
"Working in health isn't easy, especially during periods of high demand.
"I would like to thank our amazing staff for their commitment to caring for Territorians, their resilience and dedication. I want you all to know that you are valued and respected and we are all grateful for the work you do."
Ms Bowden also thanks the community for their kindness and support during this period of high demand.
"Thank you for your cooperation and patience. We know there are long wait times in the Emergency Department at the moment, so I encourage everyone in our community to familiarise themselves with the different ways to access healthcare services, so you are getting the right care at the right time and place."
If you are experiencing a health emergency including symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, severe breathing difficulties, seizures, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, major trauma or another life-threatening condition, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.
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.
Go to an Urgent Care Clinic when you have a non-life-threatening illness that needs same day attention and cannot wait for a normal GP appointment. Examples are:
· Minor fractures, sprains, and sports injuries
· Mild burns and minor cuts needing glue or stitches
· Mild to moderate respiratory illnesses or gastroenteritis
· Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and minor ear or eye infections
· Severe stomach pains or sudden minor infections.
The Palmerston Urgent Care Clinic and the Darwin Urgent Care Clinic are open from 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week, accept walk-in care, with no appointments necessary and fully
bulk-bill.
The Palmerston Urgent Care Clinic is located at 3 Gurd Street, Farrar.
The Darwin Urgent Care Clinic is located at 4/8 Osgood Drive, Eaton.
If you are unsure of how to manage your illness or injury, visit www.healthdirect.gov.au [http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/?fbclid=IwAR2q8dU8p4mXIL66SYk1qAVe8AZf-33mSRId3gfEBMqjpljQ4aCxC8FctDs] or call Healthdirect for free on 1800 022 222.
