Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Well, I tell you what, we've had some serious technical
issues in the studio this morning. So from one interview
to the next, of course, we've spoken earlier this week
and we just spoke to Dr Dana Duncan about the
situation with those peak bodies representing the Northern Territories doctors
and nurses calling for that co-jello to be reinstated at
Royal Darwin Hospital. We know as well that they had
(00:22):
said the situation was It was dangerous, a state of disaster,
warning that Territorians are being placed at immediate risk of harm.
When we asked the Chief Minister about this earlier in
the week, she played down those concerns and said that
the Health Department had confirmed that they're working on a
new model of care, including the development of this rapid
assessment clinic. Now, we spoke quite extensively yesterday about this,
(00:46):
but joining us in the studio this morning, I'm pleased
to say, is the Health Minister, Steve Edgington. Good morning
to you.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Morning, Katie, and good morning to all the listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Minister, thanks so much for your time. And I know
you have literally just run here from Royal Darwin Hospital,
where that announcement was being made about this new ward
opening this morning. 12 beds initially operational. What kind of
difference do you think this is going to make?
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Well, I'm glad to say, Katie, I was out at
the Royal Darwin this morning and I heard you had
some technical issues, but there's no technical issues out there, Katie. Good.
Really pleasing to see because, you know, we've committed $ 23. 9
million to open the 32-bed ward facility. Getting out there
on the ground this morning and talking to staff, we
actually have 13 patients in the ward at the moment.
(01:31):
So that transitioning process is well underway.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
So they're straight in?
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Straight in. 13 patients and.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
The transition I think started earlier in the week and
probably by somewhere around the end of the month we're
anticipating that that ward will be fully operational. The staff
out there have been doing their training and the commissioning
of the ward so they've done an amazing job and
they're working.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
As we speak.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
It's been a long time coming, hasn't it? I mean,
it's something that was announced under the former government. It's
taken a couple of years to get to this point.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Yeah, it certainly has. But 32-bed ward, it will make
a difference, Katie. And talking to the staff on the
ground this morning and listening to some of the issues,
and we hear about Code Yellows, the pressure, the access
to beds, this will make a difference. And not only
the 32-bed ward, Katie, but towards the end of the year,
we will see the 24-bed mental health ward unit come
(02:25):
on board as well. So talking to the staff this morning,
they're seeing mental health patients coming through the ED as well.
So having that additional 24 beds in the mental health unit,
that'll also make a difference as well. So we are
opening and we're starting to take the pressure off the
ED as we speak.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Look, no doubt that those additional beds will make a difference.
Have we got enough staff for them, Steve?
Speaker 3 (02:47):
Well, we have, and this has been work constantly underway.
And yes, we often hear that we have staff employed
around the Territory. We do heavily rely on some of
the agency staff. And that's a fact. This has been
going on for a number of years.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
Do you reckon we can move away from that somehow
by offering our own nurses a better pay deal?
Speaker 3 (03:06):
Yeah, look, the negotiations are underway at the moment. But
certainly what I want to see is more local people
employed as nurses and midwives and doctors at the hospital.
So that's been constant work underway for a long, long time.
And We have seen that shift, I think, towards agency,
and some of the nurses actually prefer the agency model,
so it's about flexibility in the workplace as well. So
(03:27):
we are working right across the board. Those negotiations are underway,
and hopefully that will be resolved soon.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
I mean, Minister, it must be concerning to you, though,
when you have got those peak bodies sort of joining
forces earlier in the week, saying that the situation at
Royal Darwin Hospital is a dangerous state of disaster, like
they're warning that Territorians are being placed at immediate risk
of harm. So I guess I'm just trying to get
to the bottom of this in the sense that when
(03:55):
you've got the peak bodies saying that, when they are saying,
you know, we're understaffed, we need more to happen to
try to take some of that pressure away. And yes,
the department's got a number of measures. And yes, you're
overseeing the department implementing a number of measures to deal
with that. But how do we reach a point where
our doctors, our nurses, our healthcare professionals aren't worried that
(04:17):
we're constantly in a state of emergency?
Speaker 3 (04:19):
Oh, it's a constant issue. And we want to ensure
that our staff have a safe workplace and they're able
to get on with it and do the job. But
The 32-bed ward will make a difference. A 24-bed mental
health unit, that'll make a significant difference as well. But,
you know, there's a whole range of things that we're
working on at the moment, including, I think you said
(04:39):
the Chief Minister spoke about it, the rapid assessment clinic.
So we're looking at how best we can deal and
triage some of the people coming through the ED so
that we can get them to the service that they need.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
How soon could that rapid assessment ward be up and running?
Because we'd spoken to Fiona Renshaw about it from the
department yesterday as well. To me, it sounds like a
good move.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
You know, as does some of the other work that's happening,
like the use of the Corella ward at the private hospital,
if and when it's needed. You know, it sounds like
good work, but how soon do you think some of
that stuff can happen?
Speaker 3 (05:07):
Well, these things are happening as we speak, Katie, and
I think this is important that the staff are doing
a magnificent job. And I really want to, you know,
shout out from our executive level team, right down to
the nurses and doctors and our midwives working on the ground,
because they're constantly looking for opportunities for continuous improvement. So
So when we talk about timeframes, this work is happening
as we speak. They're constantly looking at better ways of
(05:28):
doing things. But the reality is it gets down to
access to beds. So having the 32-bed ward there, 13
already filled.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Yep.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
But also we constantly have beds taken up by long-stay
aged care patients as well.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
So, Steve, where are things at with this new aged
care facility? You and I have discussed this on so
many occasions, like the land is there, the provider's been announced.
My understanding is that from the Department of Health, they
have previously said to me that it's with the federal
department working with, I believe, you know, the AusCare to
(06:03):
make sure that this gets to fruition. But how long
is it going to take?
Speaker 3 (06:06):
Well, the reality is that it is sitting with the
federal government. We've done everything that we can possibly do
to make the land available. We've committed money to do
the headworks to make sure that the project goes ahead.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
This sits in the.
Speaker 3 (06:19):
sits right in the lap of the federal government at
the moment. And, you know, I'd encourage them to, you know,
work with AusCare, get this project moving, because even a
construction time for such a large facility could take a
couple of years.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Oh, well, without a doubt.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
No doubt at all.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
But what we're facing at the moment, Cody, is whilst
we're opening new wards, we could potentially free up another
80 beds. Now, this would make a significant difference when
it comes to managing access to beds. Cody allows the
pressure on the EDs, having 80 further beds with the
new aged care facility will make a significant difference to
the health system here in Darwin.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
Well, when we spoke to Dr Dana Duncan from the
AMA just a couple of minutes ago, she did say
that those aged care beds would make a big difference.
She also touched on some of the work, that preventative
care that could be happening out in our remote areas
as well so that people aren't having to travel into
town to come and see the doctor or to spend
time at the hospital. What more can we be doing
(07:16):
in that space?
Speaker 3 (07:17):
Look, you know, through our remote service, primary health care,
we work very closely right across the board. At the moment,
it's about 50-50. We have Aboriginal controlled health clinics and
we have our NT health clinics. So it's about 50-50
at the moment. So we're constantly working with the Aboriginal
community controlled health sector. And in fact, we'll be in
(07:38):
Sydney tomorrow working together through the Aboriginal Health Roundtable to
look at what improvements we can be making right across
the board. How do we continue to build and strengthen
our relationships, which we already have here in the NT,
a very good relationship. But that preventative care out in
Bush is significant. What we want to see is better
care in the communities. And mind you, the staff out
(07:59):
there are doing some incredible work in those remote spaces.
The volume of... health services that they deliver is significant.
But yes, if we can deliver that more preventative work,
that'll take less pressure off our EDs here in Darwin,
Tennant Creek, Catherine and Alice Springs.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
Minister, certainly from what I'm hearing from you and from
the department, there are a number of measures that you're
implementing to try to really sort some of these pressures
out that are on our major hospital. And it's not
just Royal Darwin Hospital, though. We know that there's pressure
on our hospitals and our health service right around the
Northern Territory. So there are a number of levers that
are being pulled. But you've still got the unions and
(08:39):
healthcare workers saying that they're really concerned that it's not enough. Minister,
some are questioning if you're up to the job. Are you?
Speaker 2 (08:47):
I'm up to the job.
Speaker 3 (08:48):
All right, Katie, I can assure you that the work
that we're doing at the moment, not only through my office,
but with the executive team at the moment, they're.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Working with the unions.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
And I hear the noise coming from the unions and
I hear the concerns coming from the unions because we
want to ensure that the staff are safe in the workplace.
We want to ensure that they're able to come to work,
deal with the workloads that they're facing. So this is
the constant work that we're doing. So, yes, I listen
to everything that's being said. But at the moment, we're
(09:18):
opening the 32-bed ward, the 24-bed mental health facility. But
we're looking at those rapid assessment clinics so that we
can deal with those issues at an earlier stage when
they come into our EDs. But what I want to
assure listeners is that we're working right across the board
with staff. I'm listening to staff. I get out there
and listen to staff on the ground. And we're implementing
(09:40):
as much as we can in a coordinated way to
take pressure off the health system.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
All right, Minister, let's talk maternity. Where is the negotiation
at with the private service at the moment?
Speaker 3 (09:51):
Well, at the moment, there was a switch of hospital
down in, I think, Hobart recently. So we're anticipating talking
to McGrath Nickel. the receivers we're hopeful that there could
be a decision within the next two weeks. in regard
to the private hospital here in Darwin.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
So two weeks, hopefully, we'll know.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
We're hopeful.
Speaker 3 (10:10):
Look, we can't put in that actual timeframe, but given
there was a recent announcement interstate, we're hopeful that there
could be an announcement coming for Darwin.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
And is there someone, is there a preferred tenderer or
a preferred operator from your perspective?
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Look, we put out a letter to potential operators and
we had feedback from those operators in regard to delivering
maternity services at the private hospital here in Darwin. We've
had a range of feedback. But at the moment, the receivers,
McGrath and Nicol, are down to two proponents. And that's
Calvary and also Purpose Code, which is the health scope
(10:45):
change into a not-for-profit organisation. So they're the two. on
the list at the moment, and hopefully McGrath and Nicol
will be making a decision very shortly.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
And you've made it very clear that whoever takes over
that hospital, they must reinstate maternity services?
Speaker 2 (10:59):
We've made it very.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
Clear, and what we have done is we've written to
McGrath and Nicol, the receiver, and we've also written to
proponents that we will do everything possible to make sure
maternity services are reinstated here at the private hospital. And
we said that we will take any legal, legislative or
economic decisions measures to make sure that that happens. And
that includes negotiating bed buys and a whole range of things.
(11:21):
But the ultimate is we want to see maternity services
re-established at the private hospital, and we're going to do
everything possible.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
To make that happen.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
All right, Minister, what about work on the maternity ward
when it comes to that funding that the Prime Minister
flew into Darwin to announce?
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Well, we haven't received the money yet, but.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
Can you still start the work?
Speaker 3 (11:40):
Yeah, that's what I was going to say. So the
The department is putting all of the plans together at
the moment. We'll need to go through a tender process,
but all of that work and the planning on what
we can really achieve with that $ 10 million is underway
from the department. NT Health is doing a great job
working through what that scope will look like, Katie. And,
(12:00):
you know, as I've said many times, we did ask
for an original $ 35 million. We're down to $ 10 million.
So we've really got to make sure the dollar goes
as far as possible.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
How have we not got the money yet? Or what's
the usual process? Is that normal? Well, I've never received
a federal funding grant.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
Katie, we've heard a number of promises.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
We heard promises from the member for Solomon that the
cheque was in the mail. The Prime Minister was here
and said that the $ 10 million is here. Look, I'm
hoping that it's imminent, but what I can assure listeners
and those mothers out there, we're working to ensure that
the scope is ready to go, all of the planning's
done so that we can commence that work.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
As soon as possible.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
Okay. So when do you reckon it could start?
Speaker 3 (12:41):
Well, as soon as we get the money, but I'm
sort of hopeful that we'll see the money soon. It
has been promised, but I'm hopeful that that work will
be well and truly underway this year.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
All right, Minister, I've been contacted by people still concerned
about the situation with CareFlight. Are you able to give
us a bit of an update where that transition is
at and a bit of a timeline?
Speaker 3 (13:02):
Yeah, look, the transition is underway. NT Health announced the
preferred tenderer some time ago. So it To change over
these contracts, generally it's about a 12-month transition. That work
is going on as we speak and from all accounts
provided to me by the Chief Executive of NT Health,
that work is well and truly underway. The negotiations are
(13:24):
happening and that transition from one provider to another should
be a very smooth transition.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
Is there a plan, though, to keep Territorians safe during
that transition? Because I have been contacted by people that
are associated with CareFlight. They're pretty worried at the moment.
They don't know where things are at. They don't know
what the plan is for them. Some of them really
long-term Territorians as well.
Speaker 3 (13:46):
Look, I'm not sure what internal communication there has been
at CareFlight.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
No, no, it's more the communication from the department to them.
Speaker 3 (13:53):
Well, the department isn't communicating with CareFlight employees. That's the
role of CareFlight to them. But what we are doing
is working through at the highest levels with CareFlight to
ensure that that transition runs smoothly.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
From your perspective as the Health Minister though, is there
a plan in place to ensure that those CareFlight staff
are looked after?
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Oh, too right.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
We want to make sure that all of those skills
and expertise are, if there's, where there is work available
through that transition process, we'll make sure that there's opportunities
provided for them.
Speaker 1 (14:25):
How soon do you reckon you're going to see the
Royal Flying Doctor sort of, you know, in there doing
the job?
Speaker 3 (14:31):
Oh, look, what I've been advised by the Chief Executive
of NT Health, that these transitions can take up to
12 months. So probably by around middle of next year,
we'll see a full transition and the new provider in place.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
So in the meantime, over that 12-month period, CareFlight just
keeps sort of doing the job. But you're saying there
is a transition plan, as in there is going to
be a way to make sure... that those long-term Territory
staff are either kept there if that's what they want
to do or they're looked after.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
NT Health is working with Care Flight and the Royal
Flying Doctor Service to look at where those opportunities lie
so that there is a smooth transition. We don't want
to see those skills and services that have been built
up over a number of years. We don't want them
lost to the Territory. So every opportunity will be provided
through that arrangement to ensure that there's opportunities for those people.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
All right, Minister, a couple of quick ones still. There's
always lots going on with health, but I know you
press for time. Palliative care funding. We had the community
care palliative care crew on earlier in the week. There
is only six of those community care palliative care nurses
across the whole of the Northern Territory. Is more going
to be done to support palliative care, particularly those that
(15:46):
are out there helping people to pass away peacefully in
their own homes and in their own communities.
Speaker 3 (15:51):
Look, palliative care, and I must say that the staff
in there are absolutely doing an amazing job, Katie. And
this is the feedback that I get, not only about nurses,
doctors and midwives, but the feedback that I get about
palliative care is absolutely extraordinary. And everything that I hear
has been positive, positive, positive. But, yeah, we'll continue to
(16:12):
look at palliative care like we do with every health
service across the board because we want to make sure
that the staff and the resources are available at the
toughest time for all.
Speaker 1 (16:22):
Of those families.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
I think it's essential.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
And I think it's really essential as well as we
talk about, you know, the voluntary assisted dying legislation kicking in.
And then when you look at the fact that, you know,
we've got the hospice that do an incredible job. There
is no doubt about that. But then with the other
community care nurses that are out sort of out in
community and out in different locations. When I spoke to
them earlier in the week, they said that they received
(16:44):
no Northern Territory Government funding. Is that something that you'd
look into, whether there is a way that they could
be funded to some degree?
Speaker 3 (16:51):
Yeah, well, what we've said is with the rights of
the terminally ill legislation being passed, we'll be looking at
all of those things. There'll be a 12 to 18
month implementation stage, but we want to make sure that
we get that right. But we also want to make
sure that we have adequate and important services for palliative care.
So all of those things will be constantly looked at, Katie.
Speaker 2 (17:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:13):
Hey, Federal Ministers meeting, or you're off today to a...
Who are you meeting with?
Speaker 3 (17:17):
Well, I'm off today, Katie, and I'll be flying out
this afternoon. But a big couple of days coming up,
and I think I touched on before, we've got the
Aboriginal Health Roundtable in Sydney tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
So that'll be.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
There'll be representatives from AMCENT and the Northern Territory and
myself at the table there. So we'll be looking at
health services delivered for Aboriginal people. here in the Northern Territory,
but working with our colleagues from around the country to
look at what's working best and look for new ideas.
But what I would say is that the relationship we
have with AMCENT in the Northern Territory is fantastic and
(17:50):
we're looking forward to that roundtable. But some of the
things on the health minister's meeting, Katie, We'll be meeting
Friday with the health ministers from around the country, certainly
long-stay patients. Age care is a constant issue that we're
really speaking about.
Speaker 1 (18:04):
It's not just here, is it?
Speaker 2 (18:06):
It's everywhere.
Speaker 3 (18:06):
So when we talk about 80 beds, we're really talking
about 10% of our beds are occupied by long-stay patients.
But on average, it's about 10% right around the country
at the moment. So it is a national issue. The
federal government really needs to turn their mind to it.
But one of the other issues that we will look
at is the– private health insurance rebate as well which
(18:28):
at the moment under the federal government it could place
an extra $ 255 on the cost of private health insurance
for patients or for seniors over the age of 65.
Speaker 1 (18:40):
So they're going to be out of pocket another $ 250.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
$ 255, the estimates are at the moment. Our concern, Katie,
is that it could impact around 13,800 elderly people in
the Northern Territory.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Yeah, and that's a lot.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
But the problem is, Katie, when health insurance starts going
up and it costs more, people pull out of that.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
That's exactly right.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
And when people aren't in the private system, Katie, well,
they're coming into the public system. We've already got a
range of pressures right across the Northern Territory when it
comes to our health system. What we don't need at
the moment is... an extra number of elderly patients coming
through the hospitals, we'd prefer them to be able to
afford their private health care because that's what they've been
(19:19):
doing for many, many years. So that change for seniors, $ 255,
could put significant pressure on their weekly budgets.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
Yeah, I just think it's a real kick in the
guts for our seniors. They pay their taxes their whole lives.
You reach this point where, you know, we should be
looking after them, not charging them more.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Exactly.
Speaker 3 (19:38):
And these are the issues we want the federal government
to do more. The Northern Territory is already the lowest
funded when it comes to health funding right across all
of Australia. States and territories, we're at the very bottom
when it comes to funding. So to put further pressure
on our elderly citizens here in the Northern Territory, $ 255,
(19:59):
it does make a difference. And what we want to
see is them going through the private health care. If
they can't, can't afford it. it'll put more pressure on
the public system.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Well, Steve Edgington, the Minister for Health, I better let
you go. I think we're only meant to have you
for 10 minutes, mate. Thank you very much for your time.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
Good on you, Katie, and good morning to all the listeners.
Speaker 1 (20:19):
Thank you. We appreciate it.
Well, I tell you what, we've had some serious technical
issues in the studio this morning. So from one interview
to the next, of course, we've spoken earlier this week
and we just spoke to Dr Dana Duncan about the
situation with those peak bodies representing the Northern Territories doctors
and nurses calling for that co-jello to be reinstated at
Royal Darwin Hospital. We know as well that they had
(00:22):
said the situation was It was dangerous, a state of disaster,
warning that Territorians are being placed at immediate risk of harm.
When we asked the Chief Minister about this earlier in
the week, she played down those concerns and said that
the Health Department had confirmed that they're working on a
new model of care, including the development of this rapid
assessment clinic. Now, we spoke quite extensively yesterday about this,
(00:46):
but joining us in the studio this morning, I'm pleased
to say, is the Health Minister, Steve Edgington. Good morning
to you.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
Morning, Katie, and good morning to all the listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Minister, thanks so much for your time. And I know
you have literally just run here from Royal Darwin Hospital,
where that announcement was being made about this new ward
opening this morning. 12 beds initially operational. What kind of
difference do you think this is going to make?
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Well, I'm glad to say, Katie, I was out at
the Royal Darwin this morning and I heard you had
some technical issues, but there's no technical issues out there, Katie. Good.
Really pleasing to see because, you know, we've committed $ 23. 9
million to open the 32-bed ward facility. Getting out there
on the ground this morning and talking to staff, we
actually have 13 patients in the ward at the moment.
(01:31):
So that transitioning process is well underway.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
So they're straight in?
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Straight in. 13 patients and.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
The transition I think started earlier in the week and
probably by somewhere around the end of the month we're
anticipating that that ward will be fully operational. The staff
out there have been doing their training and the commissioning
of the ward so they've done an amazing job and
they're working.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
As we speak.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
It's been a long time coming, hasn't it? I mean,
it's something that was announced under the former government. It's
taken a couple of years to get to this point.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Yeah, it certainly has. But 32-bed ward, it will make
a difference, Katie. And talking to the staff on the
ground this morning and listening to some of the issues,
and we hear about Code Yellows, the pressure, the access
to beds, this will make a difference. And not only
the 32-bed ward, Katie, but towards the end of the year,
we will see the 24-bed mental health ward unit come
(02:25):
on board as well. So talking to the staff this morning,
they're seeing mental health patients coming through the ED as well.
So having that additional 24 beds in the mental health unit,
that'll also make a difference as well. So we are
opening and we're starting to take the pressure off the
ED as we speak.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Look, no doubt that those additional beds will make a difference.
Have we got enough staff for them, Steve?
Speaker 3 (02:47):
Well, we have, and this has been work constantly underway.
And yes, we often hear that we have staff employed
around the Territory. We do heavily rely on some of
the agency staff. And that's a fact. This has been
going on for a number of years.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
Do you reckon we can move away from that somehow
by offering our own nurses a better pay deal?
Speaker 3 (03:06):
Yeah, look, the negotiations are underway at the moment. But
certainly what I want to see is more local people
employed as nurses and midwives and doctors at the hospital.
So that's been constant work underway for a long, long time.
And We have seen that shift, I think, towards agency,
and some of the nurses actually prefer the agency model,
so it's about flexibility in the workplace as well. So
(03:27):
we are working right across the board. Those negotiations are underway,
and hopefully that will be resolved soon.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
I mean, Minister, it must be concerning to you, though,
when you have got those peak bodies sort of joining
forces earlier in the week, saying that the situation at
Royal Darwin Hospital is a dangerous state of disaster, like
they're warning that Territorians are being placed at immediate risk
of harm. So I guess I'm just trying to get
to the bottom of this in the sense that when
(03:55):
you've got the peak bodies saying that, when they are saying,
you know, we're understaffed, we need more to happen to
try to take some of that pressure away. And yes,
the department's got a number of measures. And yes, you're
overseeing the department implementing a number of measures to deal
with that. But how do we reach a point where
our doctors, our nurses, our healthcare professionals aren't worried that
(04:17):
we're constantly in a state of emergency?
Speaker 3 (04:19):
Oh, it's a constant issue. And we want to ensure
that our staff have a safe workplace and they're able
to get on with it and do the job. But
The 32-bed ward will make a difference. A 24-bed mental
health unit, that'll make a significant difference as well. But,
you know, there's a whole range of things that we're
working on at the moment, including, I think you said
(04:39):
the Chief Minister spoke about it, the rapid assessment clinic.
So we're looking at how best we can deal and
triage some of the people coming through the ED so
that we can get them to the service that they need.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
How soon could that rapid assessment ward be up and running?
Because we'd spoken to Fiona Renshaw about it from the
department yesterday as well. To me, it sounds like a
good move.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
You know, as does some of the other work that's happening,
like the use of the Corella ward at the private hospital,
if and when it's needed. You know, it sounds like
good work, but how soon do you think some of
that stuff can happen?
Speaker 3 (05:07):
Well, these things are happening as we speak, Katie, and
I think this is important that the staff are doing
a magnificent job. And I really want to, you know,
shout out from our executive level team, right down to
the nurses and doctors and our midwives working on the ground,
because they're constantly looking for opportunities for continuous improvement. So
So when we talk about timeframes, this work is happening
as we speak. They're constantly looking at better ways of
(05:28):
doing things. But the reality is it gets down to
access to beds. So having the 32-bed ward there, 13
already filled.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Yep.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
But also we constantly have beds taken up by long-stay
aged care patients as well.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
So, Steve, where are things at with this new aged
care facility? You and I have discussed this on so
many occasions, like the land is there, the provider's been announced.
My understanding is that from the Department of Health, they
have previously said to me that it's with the federal
department working with, I believe, you know, the AusCare to
(06:03):
make sure that this gets to fruition. But how long
is it going to take?
Speaker 3 (06:06):
Well, the reality is that it is sitting with the
federal government. We've done everything that we can possibly do
to make the land available. We've committed money to do
the headworks to make sure that the project goes ahead.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
This sits in the.
Speaker 3 (06:19):
sits right in the lap of the federal government at
the moment. And, you know, I'd encourage them to, you know,
work with AusCare, get this project moving, because even a
construction time for such a large facility could take a
couple of years.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Oh, well, without a doubt.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
No doubt at all.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
But what we're facing at the moment, Cody, is whilst
we're opening new wards, we could potentially free up another
80 beds. Now, this would make a significant difference when
it comes to managing access to beds. Cody allows the
pressure on the EDs, having 80 further beds with the
new aged care facility will make a significant difference to
the health system here in Darwin.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
Well, when we spoke to Dr Dana Duncan from the
AMA just a couple of minutes ago, she did say
that those aged care beds would make a big difference.
She also touched on some of the work, that preventative
care that could be happening out in our remote areas
as well so that people aren't having to travel into
town to come and see the doctor or to spend
time at the hospital. What more can we be doing
(07:16):
in that space?
Speaker 3 (07:17):
Look, you know, through our remote service, primary health care,
we work very closely right across the board. At the moment,
it's about 50-50. We have Aboriginal controlled health clinics and
we have our NT health clinics. So it's about 50-50
at the moment. So we're constantly working with the Aboriginal
community controlled health sector. And in fact, we'll be in
(07:38):
Sydney tomorrow working together through the Aboriginal Health Roundtable to
look at what improvements we can be making right across
the board. How do we continue to build and strengthen
our relationships, which we already have here in the NT,
a very good relationship. But that preventative care out in
Bush is significant. What we want to see is better
care in the communities. And mind you, the staff out
(07:59):
there are doing some incredible work in those remote spaces.
The volume of... health services that they deliver is significant.
But yes, if we can deliver that more preventative work,
that'll take less pressure off our EDs here in Darwin,
Tennant Creek, Catherine and Alice Springs.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
Minister, certainly from what I'm hearing from you and from
the department, there are a number of measures that you're
implementing to try to really sort some of these pressures
out that are on our major hospital. And it's not
just Royal Darwin Hospital, though. We know that there's pressure
on our hospitals and our health service right around the
Northern Territory. So there are a number of levers that
are being pulled. But you've still got the unions and
(08:39):
healthcare workers saying that they're really concerned that it's not enough. Minister,
some are questioning if you're up to the job. Are you?
Speaker 2 (08:47):
I'm up to the job.
Speaker 3 (08:48):
All right, Katie, I can assure you that the work
that we're doing at the moment, not only through my office,
but with the executive team at the moment, they're.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Working with the unions.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
And I hear the noise coming from the unions and
I hear the concerns coming from the unions because we
want to ensure that the staff are safe in the workplace.
We want to ensure that they're able to come to work,
deal with the workloads that they're facing. So this is
the constant work that we're doing. So, yes, I listen
to everything that's being said. But at the moment, we're
(09:18):
opening the 32-bed ward, the 24-bed mental health facility. But
we're looking at those rapid assessment clinics so that we
can deal with those issues at an earlier stage when
they come into our EDs. But what I want to
assure listeners is that we're working right across the board
with staff. I'm listening to staff. I get out there
and listen to staff on the ground. And we're implementing
(09:40):
as much as we can in a coordinated way to
take pressure off the health system.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
All right, Minister, let's talk maternity. Where is the negotiation
at with the private service at the moment?
Speaker 3 (09:51):
Well, at the moment, there was a switch of hospital
down in, I think, Hobart recently. So we're anticipating talking
to McGrath Nickel. the receivers we're hopeful that there could
be a decision within the next two weeks. in regard
to the private hospital here in Darwin.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
So two weeks, hopefully, we'll know.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
We're hopeful.
Speaker 3 (10:10):
Look, we can't put in that actual timeframe, but given
there was a recent announcement interstate, we're hopeful that there
could be an announcement coming for Darwin.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
And is there someone, is there a preferred tenderer or
a preferred operator from your perspective?
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Look, we put out a letter to potential operators and
we had feedback from those operators in regard to delivering
maternity services at the private hospital here in Darwin. We've
had a range of feedback. But at the moment, the receivers,
McGrath and Nicol, are down to two proponents. And that's
Calvary and also Purpose Code, which is the health scope
(10:45):
change into a not-for-profit organisation. So they're the two. on
the list at the moment, and hopefully McGrath and Nicol
will be making a decision very shortly.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
And you've made it very clear that whoever takes over
that hospital, they must reinstate maternity services?
Speaker 2 (10:59):
We've made it very.
Speaker 3 (11:00):
Clear, and what we have done is we've written to
McGrath and Nicol, the receiver, and we've also written to
proponents that we will do everything possible to make sure
maternity services are reinstated here at the private hospital. And
we said that we will take any legal, legislative or
economic decisions measures to make sure that that happens. And
that includes negotiating bed buys and a whole range of things.
(11:21):
But the ultimate is we want to see maternity services
re-established at the private hospital, and we're going to do
everything possible.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
To make that happen.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
All right, Minister, what about work on the maternity ward
when it comes to that funding that the Prime Minister
flew into Darwin to announce?
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Well, we haven't received the money yet, but.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
Can you still start the work?
Speaker 3 (11:40):
Yeah, that's what I was going to say. So the
The department is putting all of the plans together at
the moment. We'll need to go through a tender process,
but all of that work and the planning on what
we can really achieve with that $ 10 million is underway
from the department. NT Health is doing a great job
working through what that scope will look like, Katie. And,
(12:00):
you know, as I've said many times, we did ask
for an original $ 35 million. We're down to $ 10 million.
So we've really got to make sure the dollar goes
as far as possible.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
How have we not got the money yet? Or what's
the usual process? Is that normal? Well, I've never received
a federal funding grant.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
Katie, we've heard a number of promises.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
We heard promises from the member for Solomon that the
cheque was in the mail. The Prime Minister was here
and said that the $ 10 million is here. Look, I'm
hoping that it's imminent, but what I can assure listeners
and those mothers out there, we're working to ensure that
the scope is ready to go, all of the planning's
done so that we can commence that work.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
As soon as possible.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
Okay. So when do you reckon it could start?
Speaker 3 (12:41):
Well, as soon as we get the money, but I'm
sort of hopeful that we'll see the money soon. It
has been promised, but I'm hopeful that that work will
be well and truly underway this year.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
All right, Minister, I've been contacted by people still concerned
about the situation with CareFlight. Are you able to give
us a bit of an update where that transition is
at and a bit of a timeline?
Speaker 3 (13:02):
Yeah, look, the transition is underway. NT Health announced the
preferred tenderer some time ago. So it To change over
these contracts, generally it's about a 12-month transition. That work
is going on as we speak and from all accounts
provided to me by the Chief Executive of NT Health,
that work is well and truly underway. The negotiations are
(13:24):
happening and that transition from one provider to another should
be a very smooth transition.
Speaker 1 (13:30):
Is there a plan, though, to keep Territorians safe during
that transition? Because I have been contacted by people that
are associated with CareFlight. They're pretty worried at the moment.
They don't know where things are at. They don't know
what the plan is for them. Some of them really
long-term Territorians as well.
Speaker 3 (13:46):
Look, I'm not sure what internal communication there has been
at CareFlight.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
No, no, it's more the communication from the department to them.
Speaker 3 (13:53):
Well, the department isn't communicating with CareFlight employees. That's the
role of CareFlight to them. But what we are doing
is working through at the highest levels with CareFlight to
ensure that that transition runs smoothly.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
From your perspective as the Health Minister though, is there
a plan in place to ensure that those CareFlight staff
are looked after?
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Oh, too right.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
We want to make sure that all of those skills
and expertise are, if there's, where there is work available
through that transition process, we'll make sure that there's opportunities
provided for them.
Speaker 1 (14:25):
How soon do you reckon you're going to see the
Royal Flying Doctor sort of, you know, in there doing
the job?
Speaker 3 (14:31):
Oh, look, what I've been advised by the Chief Executive
of NT Health, that these transitions can take up to
12 months. So probably by around middle of next year,
we'll see a full transition and the new provider in place.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
So in the meantime, over that 12-month period, CareFlight just
keeps sort of doing the job. But you're saying there
is a transition plan, as in there is going to
be a way to make sure... that those long-term Territory
staff are either kept there if that's what they want
to do or they're looked after.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
NT Health is working with Care Flight and the Royal
Flying Doctor Service to look at where those opportunities lie
so that there is a smooth transition. We don't want
to see those skills and services that have been built
up over a number of years. We don't want them
lost to the Territory. So every opportunity will be provided
through that arrangement to ensure that there's opportunities for those people.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
All right, Minister, a couple of quick ones still. There's
always lots going on with health, but I know you
press for time. Palliative care funding. We had the community
care palliative care crew on earlier in the week. There
is only six of those community care palliative care nurses
across the whole of the Northern Territory. Is more going
to be done to support palliative care, particularly those that
(15:46):
are out there helping people to pass away peacefully in
their own homes and in their own communities.
Speaker 3 (15:51):
Look, palliative care, and I must say that the staff
in there are absolutely doing an amazing job, Katie. And
this is the feedback that I get, not only about nurses,
doctors and midwives, but the feedback that I get about
palliative care is absolutely extraordinary. And everything that I hear
has been positive, positive, positive. But, yeah, we'll continue to
(16:12):
look at palliative care like we do with every health
service across the board because we want to make sure
that the staff and the resources are available at the
toughest time for all.
Speaker 1 (16:22):
Of those families.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
I think it's essential.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
And I think it's really essential as well as we
talk about, you know, the voluntary assisted dying legislation kicking in.
And then when you look at the fact that, you know,
we've got the hospice that do an incredible job. There
is no doubt about that. But then with the other
community care nurses that are out sort of out in
community and out in different locations. When I spoke to
them earlier in the week, they said that they received
(16:44):
no Northern Territory Government funding. Is that something that you'd
look into, whether there is a way that they could
be funded to some degree?
Speaker 3 (16:51):
Yeah, well, what we've said is with the rights of
the terminally ill legislation being passed, we'll be looking at
all of those things. There'll be a 12 to 18
month implementation stage, but we want to make sure that
we get that right. But we also want to make
sure that we have adequate and important services for palliative care.
So all of those things will be constantly looked at, Katie.
Speaker 2 (17:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:13):
Hey, Federal Ministers meeting, or you're off today to a...
Who are you meeting with?
Speaker 3 (17:17):
Well, I'm off today, Katie, and I'll be flying out
this afternoon. But a big couple of days coming up,
and I think I touched on before, we've got the
Aboriginal Health Roundtable in Sydney tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
So that'll be.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
There'll be representatives from AMCENT and the Northern Territory and
myself at the table there. So we'll be looking at
health services delivered for Aboriginal people. here in the Northern Territory,
but working with our colleagues from around the country to
look at what's working best and look for new ideas.
But what I would say is that the relationship we
have with AMCENT in the Northern Territory is fantastic and
(17:50):
we're looking forward to that roundtable. But some of the
things on the health minister's meeting, Katie, We'll be meeting
Friday with the health ministers from around the country, certainly
long-stay patients. Age care is a constant issue that we're
really speaking about.
Speaker 1 (18:04):
It's not just here, is it?
Speaker 2 (18:06):
It's everywhere.
Speaker 3 (18:06):
So when we talk about 80 beds, we're really talking
about 10% of our beds are occupied by long-stay patients.
But on average, it's about 10% right around the country
at the moment. So it is a national issue. The
federal government really needs to turn their mind to it.
But one of the other issues that we will look
at is the– private health insurance rebate as well which
(18:28):
at the moment under the federal government it could place
an extra $ 255 on the cost of private health insurance
for patients or for seniors over the age of 65.
Speaker 1 (18:40):
So they're going to be out of pocket another $ 250.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
$ 255, the estimates are at the moment. Our concern, Katie,
is that it could impact around 13,800 elderly people in
the Northern Territory.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Yeah, and that's a lot.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
But the problem is, Katie, when health insurance starts going
up and it costs more, people pull out of that.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
That's exactly right.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
And when people aren't in the private system, Katie, well,
they're coming into the public system. We've already got a
range of pressures right across the Northern Territory when it
comes to our health system. What we don't need at
the moment is... an extra number of elderly patients coming
through the hospitals, we'd prefer them to be able to
afford their private health care because that's what they've been
(19:19):
doing for many, many years. So that change for seniors, $ 255,
could put significant pressure on their weekly budgets.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
Yeah, I just think it's a real kick in the
guts for our seniors. They pay their taxes their whole lives.
You reach this point where, you know, we should be
looking after them, not charging them more.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Exactly.
Speaker 3 (19:38):
And these are the issues we want the federal government
to do more. The Northern Territory is already the lowest
funded when it comes to health funding right across all
of Australia. States and territories, we're at the very bottom
when it comes to funding. So to put further pressure
on our elderly citizens here in the Northern Territory, $ 255,
(19:59):
it does make a difference. And what we want to
see is them going through the private health care. If
they can't, can't afford it. it'll put more pressure on
the public system.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Well, Steve Edgington, the Minister for Health, I better let
you go. I think we're only meant to have you
for 10 minutes, mate. Thank you very much for your time.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
Good on you, Katie, and good morning to all the listeners.
Speaker 1 (20:19):
Thank you. We appreciate it.
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