Health · Healthcare & Policy · 4 hrs ago
Northern Territory health service faces workplace and privacy concerns
Royal Darwin Hospital pathology staff say fumes from a nearby overflowing morgue are making them physically sick, according to the Health Services Union.
The union has also raised concerns about mould at Casuarina Plaza and Alice Springs Hospital.
At Katherine Hospital, six emergency department staff were allegedly assaulted on Sunday.
These issues have put Northern Territory Health Minister Steve Edgington under pressure to respond to problems across the territory’s health services.
A separate privacy breach at Royal Darwin Hospital affected 12 pregnant women, more than the five initially identified by NT Health.
Some women learned about the breach only after being contacted by ABC, and the minister apologised to those affected.
The breach has been referred to police and the NT information commissioner, while the minister has asked the health department’s chief executive to investigate the mould concerns.
Northern Territory Health faced concerns this week over workplace conditions, staff assaults and a privacy breach affecting pregnant women.
Staff at Royal Darwin Hospital’s pathology building said the smell from an overflowing morgue made some physically sick and unable to work.
The Health Services Union also raised concerns about mould at facilities in Casuarina and Alice Springs.
Six staff members at Katherine Hospital’s emergency department were allegedly assaulted on Sunday.
NT Health initially said five women were affected by a privacy breach at Royal Darwin Hospital, then revised the figure to 12.
- Who
- NT Health, the Health Services Union and staff at several Northern Territory health facilities.
- What
- The health service faced concerns about workplace conditions, alleged assaults on staff and a privacy breach affecting pregnant women.
- When
- The concerns came to light during the week of October 30, 2026; the privacy breach occurred earlier that month.
- Where
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Casuarina Plaza health facility, Alice Springs Hospital and Katherine Hospital, in the Northern Territory.
- Why
- The concerns involved an overflowing morgue, mould, alleged assaults and the handling of a privacy breach.
NT Health
Health Services Union and affected staff
Morgue conditions
NT Health
The minister said staff were being provided with air fresheners and masks.
Health Services Union and affected staff
The union said the smell made some staff physically sick and unable to attend work, and called the situation unacceptable.
Mould at Casuarina Plaza
NT Health
The minister said deep cleans had taken place but the mould had returned.
Health Services Union and affected staff
The union said the long-term infestation posed a risk to staff and called for action, including considering alternative premises.
Privacy breach response
NT Health
The minister said NT Health was on the front foot and conducting a thorough investigation.
Health Services Union and affected staff
Some affected women said they learned of the breach after the ABC contacted them; the article reports they felt furious, afraid and distressed.
A privacy breach occurred at Royal Darwin Hospital, affecting pregnant women.
Six staff members at Katherine Hospital’s emergency department were allegedly punched, kicked and bitten.
NT Health said five women had been affected by the privacy breach, while the ABC had already identified 12.
The minister said he had become aware of the mould infestation at Alice Springs Hospital.
The minister responded to the issues, including apologising to women affected by the privacy breach and saying it had been referred to police and the NT information commissioner.
- Privacy breach
- 12 pregnant women were affected, according to NT Health’s later count.
- Katherine Hospital
- Six emergency department staff were allegedly assaulted on Sunday.
- Royal Darwin Hospital morgue
- Staff reported a smell from decomposing bodies in an overflowing morgue.
- Casuarina Plaza
- The union said a long-term mould infestation put staff at risk.
- Alice Springs Hospital
- The union said staff had made repeated complaints about mould.
What people are saying
When bodies arrive in the mortuary in an already decomposing state, that's when the impact is the worst
We take a zero-tolerance approach to all assaults on staff and it's just not good enough when people are on the front line … being assaulted in the workplace
The chief executive [of NT Health] needs to take action now and that includes looking at alternative premises [for staff to work in]
heartfelt apology