Chief Minister Michael Gunner won’t resign amid RHD bed woes

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has accused the Commonwealth of treating Territorians like “second class citizens” as Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt calls for his resignation

NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he would not resign. PICTURE: JUSTIN KENNEDY

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has accused the Commonwealth of treating Territorians like “second class citizens” as Federal Health Minster Greg Hunt calls for his resignation.

“Rather than issuing childish responses they should be matching our funding and stop treating Territorians like second class citizens,” Mr Gunner said.

“Territorians deserve the same quality of health care as other Australians and 50-50 funding is a reasonable request of the Federal Government.”

The NT News yesterday revealed Darwin Hospital was bed blocked as the facility struggled to operate at 140 per cent capacity.

All overnight elective surgeries have been cancelled at the facility this week.

BED-BLOCKED: Royal Darwin Hospital cans all elective surgeries — again

A Top End Health spokeswoman said Royal Darwin Hospital was “experiencing another peak in demand”.

“Staff are doing everything they can to ensure patients who need care are able to receive safe care, and are moved from the Emergency Department to wards as soon as possible,” she said.

“All overnight elective surgery has been cancelled for this week, but hospital staff are liaising with patients to reschedule as soon as possible.

“People who have non-emergency health needs are urged to see their GP as soon as they become sick to try to avoid becoming unwell.

“This helps Royal Darwin Hospital care for those who most need a hospital bed.”

Minister for Health Greg Hunt wants the NT Government to step down. (AAP IMAGE/MICK TSIKAS)

Mr Hunt slammed the Gunner Government for its budget management.

“The Northern Territory Labor Government is an absolute disgrace, it is without doubt the most incompetent administration in Australia,” he said.

“The responsibility for the management of the Northern Territory hospital system rests with the Northern Territory Government.

“The decision to cancel Royal Darwin Hospital’s elective surgeries, clearly demonstrates the Northern Territory Government’s inability to govern, but more importantly, provide the essential health services that Territorians need and want.”

“Chief Minister Michael Gunner and the Northern Territory Government should resign.”