NT Health reveals extent of remote clinic closures over Christmas holiday period

In a statement to the NT News, the Health Department has revealed the full extent of remote clinic closures across the Territory amid a chronic staff shortage.

AT LEAST 10 remote health clinics across the Territory will shut over the Christmas holiday period as the NT’s health system is stretched amid chronic staff shortages, the NT News can reveal.

Several of the clinics halting operations are in the Barkly region, which is grappling with new daily Covid-19 cases among a largely unvaccinated population.

In a statement to the NT News, an NT Health spokesman said clinics including Laramba, Willowra, Canteen Creek, Titjikala, Kings Canyon, Haasts Bluff, Yuelamu, Engawala, Epenarra and Imanpa will be abandoned over the holidays.

Canteen Creek is one of several communities whose health clinic is temporarily shutting. Picture: Supplied.

The spokesman said Kings Canyon, Canteen Creek, Titkilala and Epenarra would receive support from St John Ambulance and the Royal Flying Doctor Service during this time.

The Ali Curung clinic will operate for emergency services only until December 28 due to staff shortages.

“Staffing changes to primary health care centres are not uncommon over the festive season,” the spokesman said.

“Frontline health workers have done an outstanding job this year and deserve a well-earned break over the holiday period.”

Originally published as NT Health reveals extent of remote clinic closures over Christmas holiday period