45 top NT Health senior leaders to lose management positions in Top End

Almost four dozen top medical leaders will lose their management positions within NT Health but none have been officially sacked so far, the NT News can reveal.

ALMOST four dozen top medical personnel will lose their management positions within NT Health but none have been officially sacked so far, the NT News can reveal.

The restructure, which was initially reported to take place last Thursday, has been put on hold and will happen in a “staggered approach”, according to an NT Health spokeswoman.

AMA NT president Robert Parker said discussions were continuing with Health Minister and Chief Minister Natasha Fyles and senior health department staff after previous “poor communication” around the proposed changes.

Dr Parker said there was a need for a wider “refreshment” remit, rather than just senior medical officers at the Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH).

“Continuing discussions about the proposed changes are occurring,” he said.

According to the NT Health spokeswoman, the “change management program is focused on the Top End region and affects around 45 senior leadership roles”.

“All staff will retain their clinical positions,” she said.

“Consultation is ongoing and change will be implemented using a staggered approach. “Expressions of Interest for senior leadership positions will be done using a phased approach and will open in the coming weeks.”

The initial reports received heavy criticism, particularly from the Opposition, who questioned the need for an overhaul of the Territory’s largest hospital, amid rising Covid infections and a bad flu season.

The news of the sackings broke early last week, while Ms Fyles was on leave.

Her office acknowledged she was aware of significant changes within the RDH but it was believed the changes would not be made public until her return.

She is now in Japan with a trade delegation and is understood to be meeting with the heads of Inpex and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.