Palmo Hospital opens tomorrow

THE NT’s first new hospital in 40 years will open its doors at 10am tomorrow — but the NT’s Shadow Health Minister Lia Finocchiaro isn’t convinced the 116-bed, $170 million facility will cope with demand from Territorians.

“Considering there is already staffing concerns at Royal Darwin, including constant overtime for nurses, I am concerned just how Palmerston will be staffed,” she said.

“Put simply, if we don’t have enough nurses available to staff one hospital as it is, how will the Top End be able to staff and service two hospitals?

“Working overtime, across both hospitals and the stress of constant understaffing makes an environment ripe for welfare concerns of our hardworking medical workers, including nurses. I would anticipate there will be a comprehensive support program in place at both hospitals.”

Health Minister Natasha Fyles doesn’t share the concerns.

“This will be a fantastic new hospital delivered by the Territory Labor government for the people of Palmerston and the rural area,” she said.

“Thanks to the amazing effort of our health professionals — 97 per cent of positions have already been filled for opening of services including nurses, creating 300 additional new jobs in Palmerston.

“I want to thank our nurses, doctors and health teams who have worked tirelessly to help prepare for opening.”

PRH’s emergency department opens tomorrow at 10am — and will operate 24hrs a day, seven days a week.

Radiology, pathology and hospital pharmacy will also open on day one. The general medical ward opens on day two.

PRH will provide maternity outpatient services within two weeks, including breastfeeding advice and pregnancy and baby check-ups. Birthing services will remain at RDH.