Special investigation: Our health system in crisis. Experts tell how to fix it

Our health system is in crisis. There has been a lot of talk about it — from all sides of politics — but very little action to do anything to fix it. It’s time to find practical solutions. Today we ask the actual experts — the health professionals — what we should be doing.

THE Top End’s health system is in crisis.

A Code Yellow was enacted at Royal Darwin Hospital last week, the fourth this year.

This is a clear indication there are not enough medical professionals in the Northern Territory to cope with demand.

When a Code Yellow is called, all category two and three elective surgeries are postponed so medical staff can be redirected to, put simply, make sure our sickest patients don’t die.

A Code Yellow is a short-term, quick fix. It is simply a Band-Aid for a health system in crisis.

Each time, the Code Yellow is enacted, it’s quite literally the talk of the town with every politician, media outlet and Joe Blow lamenting our health emergency.

Resignations are called for, excuses are made and anxious patients go public with their heartbreaking stories.

A Code Yellow was enacted at Royal Darwin Hospital last week, the fourth this year

But then the Code Yellow is lifted and we’re back talking about tourism vouchers and coronavirus.

It’s time to put a stop to this static conversation and act on solutions before the unspeakable happens.

Medical professionals are the people who know exactly what needs to happen in our hospitals to keep Territorians safe.

The Territory and federal governments must make these changes.

From today, the NT News will bring those solutions straight from the mouths of our most experienced medical professionals and informed commentators, to you.

There’s been enough talk about our health crisis — and who’s to blame.

Now it is crucial we determine workable solutions for Royal Darwin and Palmerston Regional hospitals that can be put in to place immediately.

The governments must listen and use their power to make critical changes ... now.

Since March last year, the NT health system has endured a global pandemic and a national vaccine rollout.

It is Territory health professionals who have made sure the Howard Springs quarantine facility is gold-standard where practices ensure people entering the Territory do so safely.

Both levels of government worked together to make Howard Springs the success it is today, now they need to do it again, for Territorians.

Our, literally, life-saving medical professionals should be able to go to sleep at night knowing they will walk in to a health system the following day where they can really make a difference.

Where they can do their job. Where they can save lives.

It’s time for our political leaders to listen and follow the advice of people who know how to make sure our hospitals have the resources to care for every patient who walks through the doors.

Originally published as Special investigation: Our health system in crisis. Experts tell how to fix it