NT Government launches review into Palmerston Regional Hospital
A wide-ranging review has been launched into the Palmerston Regional Hospital amid the ongoing Territory health system crisis.
Northern Territory
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A WIDE-RANGING review has been launched into the Palmerston Regional Hospital, including whether the facility will play a role in any future Covid-19 response in the Territory.
In a statement, NT Health said it was implementing a “three phase” plan around working through the pressures being placed on the Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospitals.
Health Minister Natasha Fyles has repeatedly insisted she has no plans to close the hospital or its emergency department.
But the Palmerston Regional Hospital ED recently saw its capacity cut by one-third to reassign staff to the Royal Darwin Hospital, an arrangement which NT Health has indicated is continuing.
The NT News understands Australis Health Advisory has been awarded a tender to review the PRH.
An NT Health spokeswoman said the review was part of a “program of continuous improvement”.
“Services across the entire NT Health system, including at Royal Darwin and Palmerston Regional Hospital, are constantly evaluated to ensure the service models and management operations are current and sustainable,” the spokeswoman said.
“This work is being undertaken to ensure the hospital operates sustainably, while continuing to provide patient centred care and positive health outcomes for the community.
“PRH continues to provide all services as normal and will manage staffing challenges to make sure quality care is provided to all Territorians.”
The spokeswoman said the three-point plan was being drafted.
The first phase currently being implemented would see no reduction in specialist emergency services, despite a reduction in beds. There would also be an “enhanced nursing recruitment strategy”.
The second phase would see “clinical services and models of care at the PRH, including the Covid-19 response”, considered.
“Phase three will assess ongoing operations and the strategic direction of PRH,” the spokeswoman said.
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