As part of its strategic advocacy, ACEM outlined five priority areas for the incoming government to help more people in the NT get safer, faster emergency care. The most urgent priority was to reduce family and domestic violence and support victims, and we call on Ms Finocchiaro to begin work on finding solutions.
ACEM also advocated for an increase in the number of safely staffed inpatient hospital beds in the Top End; the implementation of evidence-based and culturally safe government initiatives to prevent dangerous alcohol consumption and reduce alcohol-related presentations; a commitment to maintain safe and sufficient hospital operations in Palmerston; and the implementation of ACEM’s Hospital Access Targets across the Territory, replacing the National Emergency Access Targets.
ACEM encourages Ms Finocchiaro and the Country Liberal Party to engage with NT’s emergency clinicians on strategies for implementing these fixes, and other solutions that can improve the delivery of safer emergency care in the Territory.
Alice Springs-based ACEM President Dr Stephen Gourley said, “We congratulate Lia Finocchiaro and the Country Liberal Party on their victory and look forward to continuing to advocate for measures that will improve healthcare for all Territorians.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe. It is essential for government to listen to clinicians, who see every day the suffering brought on by family, domestic and alcohol-fuelled violence and fewer support services. Systemic change is required to stem the flow.
“We invite the new government to work with NT’s emergency doctors on implementing these urgently needed solutions to help relieve pressures on staff and patients and restore a sense of hope for the future.”
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards.
Media Contact:
Helen Johnson, Media Advisor, [email protected] +61 481 918 488