Alice Springs to receive operating theatre

Central Australians have received good news, with a “state-of-the-art” operating theatre set to open. Read for details.

A new “state-of-the-art” operating theatre will be added to Alice Springs Hospital, Health Minister Selena Uibo has confirmed.

Valued at $7.9 million, works on the hybrid operating theatre will commence this month and are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The announcement follows revelations this week that Territorian wait times for non-urgent elective surgery were among the worst in the nation, with median wait times exceeding more than a year for some hospitals.

Ms Uibo confirmed the facility would ensure Red Centre residents could be treated close to home rather than seeking interstate procedures.

“This state-of-the-art operating theatre is yet another example of Territory Labor investing in our health system,” she said.

“This facility will mean more residents of Central Australia will get the medical care they need close to their home.”

Health Minister Selena Ubio says Central Australians will be given medical care closer to home due to the upgrade. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

The operating theatre will be enhanced by supporting infrastructure including a scrub room, control room, store room and plant room.

Ms Uibo said health was a priority of the government, including the easing of patient backlogs.

“Making sure Territorians have reliable access to health services across the NT is a priority of this government, we are doing this through a $2 billion health budget which is aimed at reducing wait times and treating patients faster.”