Dr John Zorbas raises concerns over delayed code yellow at Royal Darwin Hospital

·

Australian Medical Association NT President Dr John Zorbas has criticised the timing of the code yellow emergency declared at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH), saying the decision came only after “a unified call and appeal” from frontline health staff and unions.

The code yellow, declared Tuesday at RDH and Palmerston Regional Hospital, marked the first since the Country Liberal Party came to power in 2024.

NT Health said both hospitals were facing “capacity challenges due to an increase in the number of patients requiring ongoing acute care.”

Speaking on ABC Radio Darwin, Zorbas said the situation had reached a crisis point days earlier.

“Doctors and nurses were telling us the hospital was dangerously full. There were absolutely no pressure-relief valves left,” he said.

“We’ve been agitating for this for a week. We welcome it, but it’s a little bit late.”

The call came amid reports that 39 patients were waiting in the RDH emergency department for beds, with only two beds available in the entire hospital.

NT Health chief executive Chris Hosking confirmed he signed off on the code yellow Tuesday after the official criteria were met, stressing that patients now require longer and more intensive care.

He denied that the declaration was prompted by external pressure, saying, “It’s a matter of when the preconditions have been met — and they were.”

Source: ABC.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

44th National Cretan Federation Convention to be held in Sydney

The 44th National Cretan Federation Convention will be hosted by the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW from in 2026.

Day three of the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers inspires deep reflection

The third day of the 1st Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers unfolded at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall on Wednesday, July 9.

FECCA’s Peter Doukas OAM condemns violence against Jewish community in Australia

Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) condemns in unequivocal terms violence against the Jewish community.

Cyprus’ Andreas Grigoriou to visit Australia to mark 51st anniversary of Turkish invasion

Andreas Grigoriou will visit Australia this July to participate in events marking the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

Talia Kapetanellis exits Western Sydney Wanderers in team overhaul

Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the departure of nine players from their women’s team following the end of their A-League contracts.

You May Also Like

Stephanie Kokkolis replaces controversial Mayor in Sydney’s inner west

Controversial Strathfield Mayor, Antoine Doueihi, has been replaced by Stephanie Kokkolis for a short three month term.

‘Keeping the Cretan spirit alive’: Sydney commemorates the Arkadi holocaust

Sydney's Cretan community gathered for a dinner dance to commemorate the 156th anniversary of the Arkadi Monastery holocaust.

Thanasi Kokkinakis on career setbacks and coming back stronger in 2023

Greek Australian tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis sat down with Mark Soderstorm for a personal chat about his journey in tennis.