Hospitals and health services

About operations and surgical procedures

Your surgical journey starts when you are referred for an elective procedure by a general practitioner (GP), district medical officer (DMO), or another health specialist.

You will then have a clinical assessment, which is done in an appropriate surgical clinic closest to your home. This can also be done through Telehealth, which involves a video link to a doctor for your assessment and planning.

If it is decided that you need surgical intervention then more investigation is followed by being placed on a wait-list. Your position on the wait-list will be determined by your category of urgency for surgery.

The three categories are for surgery to happen within:

  • 30 days
  • 90 days
  • 365 days.

If you can't attend a planned procedure within the recommended time then your procedure can be deferred until your circumstances allow you to be ready for care.

When it is time to proceed, you will have an anaesthetic assessment and the planned procedure will be done at your closest hospital that is suitable for the procedure. This will be done by doctors who are credentialed to perform that procedure.

Emergency surgery

Almost 50% of surgical procedures done by the Top End Health Service (TEHS) are emergencies.

An emergency surgical procedure is one that can't wait for 24 hours. The majority of emergency surgical procedures done at the TEHS are performed at the Royal Darwin Hospital.


Aerial medical services

The Northern Territory (NT) has 2 aerial medical services that can rapidly transport medical teams and patients in need of life-saving treatment.

Top End

Careflight NT is a service that helps people who are seriously ill or injured and need urgent medical attention.

They use planes or helicopters to transport patients from remote communities or small hospitals to the Royal Darwin Hospital.

The service is available 24 hours a day and is run by emergency and critical care specialists.

Read more on the Careflight NT website.

Central Australia

In Central Australia, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and the Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) work together to provide retrieval services.

Critical care doctors from the Medical Retrieval and Consultation Centre (MRaCC) offer 24 hour a day phone support and help to coordinate and prioritise retrieval teams to people in:

  • communities
  • mine sites
  • cattle stations
  • roadhouses.

When someone needs to be taken to a hospital, the RFDS is called.

Doctors from ASH will go with the RFDS flight crews to help care for critically ill patients.

If a patient needs highly specialised care, the MRaCC and RFDS can arrange to transfer them to major hospitals in Adelaide or Darwin.

For further general information about the MRaCC services, email mrcc.director@nt.gov.au.

Visiting medical services

In addition to medical retrieval flights, you can meet with a visiting medical service.

These are regular charter flights throughout the NT to remote communities.

The flights enable visits of GPs, nurses, allied health and hospital specialist teams.


About specialist services

In the Northern Territory, you can access specialist services in three ways, or through a combination of these:

  • by clinical specialist outreach services visiting your remote location
  • through clinical specialist outpatient services in hospitals
  • by using clinical specialist telehealth services, which support remote locations through an audio / visual link to a clinical specialist in a hospital.

Specialist services for remote communities

Find out what types of services are available in remote communities and how to meet with a visiting medical service.


Ambulance services

To call an ambulance in an emergency, call 000 and ask for ambulance.

St John Ambulance provides emergency and non-emergency ambulance services to people in the Northern Territory.

Emergency services

Ambulance crews are available 24 hours a day to respond to critical and emergency cases from bases in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

Non-emergency patient transport

St John Ambulance's patient transport services take patients between home and hospitals and other medical facilities like nursing homes. 

This ensures emergency ambulance crews are available for critical and emergency cases. 

They have specialty vehicles that can transport wheelchairs and heavy patients, and extra seats for additional passengers like friends, family or guardians.

Ambulance cover

The cost of an emergency ambulance is based on a callout fee and a per kilometre fee.

If you are a member of St John Ambulance or your private health fund includes ambulance cover you won't have to pay.

A St John Ambulance subscription also gives you free emergency transport in any state or territory in Australia.

For more information go to the St John Ambulance website.


Being admitted to hospital

If you are being admitted to hospital for an operation, it's important to be prepared.

There are also rules for what you can and cannot bring with you and advice on what to expect.

Read below for more information.

Before you go to hospital for your operation you should:

  • not eat or drink from the time advised by your doctor - you need an empty stomach during your operation, so you don't vomit while you are under anaesthetic (asleep)
  • shower and wash your hair the day of your operation, or the evening before
  • not wear jewellery or makeup on the day of your operation - you can wear your wedding ring
  • if you take regular medicines, bring all your medicines with you to the hospital - you can take them with a sip of water, unless your doctor has told you not to
  • always check with your doctor if you are taking blood thinning medicines or you are a diabetic, as there may be other things you need to do - your doctor will advise you
  • ask a family member or friend to pick you up from hospital as you must not drive for 24 hours
  • plan to have someone stay with you after your operation and stay within one hour of the hospital.

You must bring all of the following:

  • your Medicare card or health fund details if you have private health insurance
  • a letter of admission for your doctor
  • current medication
  • list of drugs you are allergic to
  • any relevant x-rays or ultrasounds, especially if you are a maternity patient.

Personal belongings

You will be given a locker and asked to lock away your belongings before the nurse takes you to the operating theatre. This locker will hold a small bag.

You should bring all of the following:

  • your nightwear, dressing gown, slippers and undergarments - you should mark these with your name
  • your own toiletries - brush or comb, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, tissues and shaving gear
  • your glasses if you need them
  • some clothes to change into when you return home.

You may also want to bring any of the following

  • something to read
  • your own watch
  • address book or list of telephone numbers
  • a pen.

You are unable to wash your clothes at the hospital. The only exception to this is for patients on the children's ward 5B and the ISOP Ward 7B at the Royal Darwin Hospital.

Maternity patients

You must bring all of the following:

  • your hand-held antenatal records
  • front opening nightdresses
  • maternity bras
  • nursing pads and sanitary wear.

For discharge, you will need all of the following:

  • baby clothes
  • blanket
  • nappies and safety pins (if needed).

You must not bring any of the following:

Alcohol and other drugs

Patients and visitors must not bring:

  • alcohol
  • non-prescription drugs, including marijuana.

If you have prescription drugs with you, give them to your nurse to look after. They will be returned to you when you are discharged, but check with your doctor if you can keep taking them at home.

Mobile phones and two-way radios

You cannot use mobile phones or two-way radios in patient treatment areas as they can cause interference to medical equipment with serious consequences to patients.

Make sure your mobile phone is turned off in treatment areas.

Valuables

Do not bring valuables or large amounts of cash.

If this is unavoidable, deposit them with the hospital security office before you arrive in the ward. You will be given a key and a receipt.

You can also give your cash and valuables to a relative to take home - special arrangements are made for unconscious patients.

The hospital does not accept responsibility for the loss or damage of valuables from the ward, or the damage to your clothing or items that are removed in an emergency.

Your doctor will have talked to you about when your operation will happen and how soon that should happen.

A theatre scheduler makes all the bookings for operations, but it is up to your doctor to decide how soon you need to have your operation. Your doctor will give your booking a category number.

Booking categories

Category one - the hospital will try to book your operation within the next 30 days.

Category two - the hospital will try to book your operation within 90 days.

Category three - the hospital will try to book your operation within one year.

Your doctor will tell you what category your booking is. If you have not received a letter or call from the hospital within that time, you should contact your theatre scheduler.

If you think you need your operation sooner

If you are worried because you think you are getting sicker or having more pain, then you should go see your local general practitioner (GP). If you are very worried then you should go to your local emergency department.

If you feel sick on the day of your operation

Call your local theatre scheduler and let them know if you have a cold or flu and can't come to hospital.

The nurse will let the theatre scheduler know and they will contact you with a new operation date.

If you don't want to have your operation

If you think you do not need to have your operation anymore you should speak to your local doctor or GP. They can give you advice.

If you decide you do not want the operation, you should call the theatre scheduler and tell them so they can book another person for their operation.

Your appointment at the pre-admission clinic will be close to your operation date.

A nurse will see you and:

  • talk to you about your operation
  • ask you some questions
  • do some simple tests like checking your blood pressure and weight
  • tell you what you need to do before your operation date.

You might also see an anaesthetist who is a specialist doctor in keeping people asleep and pain free during operations.

If you can't make your appointment, then call your local pre-admission clinic and make another appointment.

If you would like an interpreter to help you understand the doctor, call the pre-admission clinic and they will book you an interpreter. Find out more about NT interpreter services.

You must answer questions about your health honestly.

Your doctor will want to know about any allergies you may have to antibiotics, medications or food. Information and details about your health and condition will remain in confidence.

If you require any diagnostic procedures and tests, such as pathology, MRI, CT scanning, or x-rays, these will be scheduled for you.

Single rooms are for patients with specific needs, such as those who need isolation or who are terminally ill.

For this reason, private patients will not be allocated a single room.

You must get permission from nursing staff to use electrical appliances.

Small radios or televisions with a screen no bigger than 46cm are allowed if used with earplugs.

Citizen band (CB) radios and any other two-way equipment are not permitted.

You can't use adapters and extension cords. All electrical appliances will go through an electrical check so they must be in good working order with no frayed ends.

Below are the phone numbers for theatre schedulers and pre-admission clinics for hospitals in the NT.

HospitalPhone number

Gove District Hospital theatre schedulers and pre-admission clinic

08 8987 0231
Katherine Hospital theatre schedulers and pre-admission clinic08 8973 9323
Royal Darwin Hospital theatre schedulers08 8922 6703 or
08 8922 8389 
Royal Darwin Hospital pre-admission clinic08 8922 8243
Royal Darwin Hospital same day procedure unit08 8922 8288
Alice Springs Hospital theatre schedulers and pre-admission clinic08 8951 7686 or
08 8951 7760
Tennant Creek Hospital patient service enquiries08 8962 4649

Being in intensive care

Patients who have a serious medical problem are given special treatment called intensive care or critical care.

The intensive care unit is also known as ICU.

Patients in ICU

Many different types of patients are admitted to the ICU.

Some come from the emergency department, some from other wards within the hospital because of complications from their illness.

While there are many different types of patients in the ICU they all need the same thing - constant observation and specialised care.

Machines in ICU

When you first come into the ICU one of the things that may concern you is the amount of equipment and machines attached to your family member or friend.

Ventilator

A ventilator is used when patients are too weak or ill to breathe for themselves.

When your family member or friend has a ventilator working for them, they won't be able to speak to you.

You should ask simple questions that can be answered with a shake or nod of the head.

The patient will often be heavily sedated to keep them comfortable, so they can be very sleepy and may not always respond to you.

Heart monitor

A heart monitor looks like a television with coloured lines moving across the screen. The lines measure the activity of the patient's heart. The heart monitor is connected to the patient with sticky pads on their skin.

The beeps and other electronic noises are the alerts from the machines to let the nurse know when something needs attention.

There may be several tubes called catheters either putting fluid and nutrients into the patient or taking other fluids out.

These machines and monitors help make intensive care as safe and effective as possible.

People working in ICU

There are highly trained doctors, nurses and other health care professionals working in ICU.

Among the many people you will see is a specialist doctor called an intensivist.

A critical care nurse is usually assigned to care for one or two patients at a time and has constant access to information about the patient.

Physiotherapists provide respiratory care and help the patient recover smoothly.

Social workers can help with care for family members, discuss financial resources and help to make plans for the future care of your family member or friend after leaving the ICU.

The chaplain can offer daily emotional and spiritual support for patients and families. Speak to your nurse if you would like to speak to either the social worker or chaplain.

Dietitians make sure the patient is getting all their nutritional requirements.

Pharmacists provide medicines and provide the ICU team with detailed information and instructions on the medicines.

Getting patient updates

Only immediate family members can be given information about a patient. Privacy is always maintained when a patient is being cared for.

Visit a friend or family member

Only immediate family members can visit a patient.

If you are immediate family and you want other people to visit the patient, you should speak to the nurse.

Visiting hours are the same as the hospital visiting hours, however ICU patients may have immediate family visit at anytime.

Do not bring children without speaking to the nurse first.

Flowers and gifts

Flowers are not allowed in the unit. You can bring greeting cards and photos of friends or family or a familiar item for the patient to look at.

The best thing you can do for people you love when they are in ICU is to be there for them.

You can touch them, hold their hand, talk to them and let them know you love them.

Tell the doctor what kind of care the patient would want.

What you can do for a family member or friend

Your family member or friend is in ICU because of a very serious illness or injury.

You can help by letting him or her know you are there.

While this is a difficult time for both the patient and the family, your loved one is in the best place he or she can be, with a team of medical experts working to make sure he or she receives the best possible care.

If you have any questions or concerns talk to the medical or nursing staff.

Caring for yourself

When someone you love is in the ICU take the time to care for yourself.

Take walks, eat regular meals, get some fresh air, read or be with friends and make sure that you do whatever you usually do to help you cope.

It is important that you are in a good state of mind and are feeling well to be able to help and emotionally support your family member or friend while they are in ICU.


Dementia services

People with dementia, their carers and families can access dementia assessment, treatment, education and support through the Top End and Central Australian Memory Services. 

Specialist dementia clinical nurse consultants provide services across the Northern Territory (NT). They are supported by a geriatrician who is based in the Top End Memory Service, but visits other regions in the NT. 

The Top End Memory Service also has an occupational therapist in its team.

You can be seen by the specialist dementia clinical nurse consultant in your home, in an aged care unit office, residential aged care facility or you can attend a Memory Clinic located at:

  • Royal Darwin Hospital outpatient department
  • specialist clinic at Palmerston Super Clinic
  • Alice Springs Hospital
  • specialist rooms at Katherine Hospital.

Book an appointment

You can self-refer to the Memory Service, but it is preferable that you have a referral from your general practitioner (GP).

For an appointment at a Memory Clinic, you will need a referral from a medical officer or GP. You will need to have dementia screening tests done before your appointment.

For more information call one of the following services:

  • Top End Aged Care Unit (08) 8922 7392
  • Central Australia Aged Care Unit (08) 8951 5248
  • Top End Memory Service  (08) 8922 7429.

Electronic health record: My eHealth Record

My eHealth Record is a secure, electronic summary of your medical information.

By registering with the My eHealth Record, your participating healthcare providers can access your important medical information, as it is stored and shared in a secure network.

It does not replace medical records held by your healthcare providers. It stores a summary of the information collected when you have seen a participating healthcare provider, such as a health centre, or you have been to a Northern Territory public hospital.

It means you don't have to rely on your memory to discuss your medical information with your healthcare provider.

Information that is stored

A healthcare provider will send a summary of your visit to your record.

The type of information in a summary may include any of the following:

  • adverse reactions
  • allergies
  • alerts
  • risk factors
  • medical problems / diagnosis
  • current medications
  • immunisations
  • progress notes
  • observations
  • a hospital discharge summary from an admission to a ward or emergency department
  • pathology test reports.

You have the option to say 'no' to having information sent to your record. You should tell your healthcare provider that you do not want the information sent and stored on your record.

How to register

Registration is free and voluntary.

Parents or legal guardians can register children in their care who are under 16 years old.

You can also collect a registration form from participating healthcare providers.

After you register

Your nominated healthcare provider will be advised that your registration has been successful.

They will create your health profile which may include medical information for up to 20 previous visits.

Participating NT healthcare providers

In the NT, the following are My eHealth Record participating healthcare providers:

  • remote health centres
  • all public hospitals
  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

The national My Health Record

The national My Health Record system is the Australian Government Department of Health's secure online summary of your health information.

You can control what goes into it and who is allowed to access it. You can choose to share your health information with your doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers.

For more information and to register go to the My Health Record website.

The NT My eHealth Record is currently transitioning to the national My Health Record system, so there will be one national eHealth record used within Australia.

All effort is being made to bring across the benefits provided with the current NT My eHealth Record service.


Falls in hospitals

If you are in hospital you should let staff know if you are at risk of falling over.

You should tell them any of the following:

  • if you have fallen over in the last year
  • if you feel unsteady or weak
  • if you have sore feet
  • if you have problems with your eyesight or hearing
  • if you are incontinent 
  • if you get dizzy or feel confused.

Preventing falls

If staff have said you need help when moving, use your call bell and wait for staff to arrive. 

Take your time getting up from sitting or lying down, especially after getting up from the toilet.

Look out for dangers such as fluids or water on the floor and tell staff straight away.

You should also do all of the following:

  • wear comfortable clothing that is not too long or loose
  • wear shoes - for the best support choose shoes that have covered toes and fit around your heels
  • if you are wearing white hospital stockings you should wear non-slip shoes or socks
  • use your walking stick or walking frame rather than holding onto furniture or walls
  • wear your appropriate glasses or hearing aid
  • drink plenty of fluids.

If you fall over don't panic. Call for help and wait for staff to help you.

Find out more about preventing falls.


Find a community care centre

This page has information about community health and care centres in the Northern Territory.

CentreAddressPhone Opening hours
Alice Springs Community Health Centre Flynn Drive
Alice Springs NT 0870 
08 8951 6711 Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm
Casuarina Community Care Centre Casuarina Plaza
corner Trower Road and Vanderlin Drive
Casuarina NT 0810
08 8922 7301

Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Wednesday 8am to 12.30pm

Katherine Community Health Centre Ground Floor
Big Rivers Government Centre
5 First Street
Katherine NT 0850

PMB 73
Katherine NT 0851
08 8973 8570 Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm
Karama Child and Family Health Clinic Karama Shopping Centre
Kalymnos Drive
Karama NT 0812
08 8922 7301 Phone for clinic times and appointments
Nhulunbuy Community Health Centre Endeavour Square
Chesterfield Circuit
Nhulunbuy NT 0880
08 8987 0413 Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm
Nylander Child Health Clinic Nylander Street
Parap NT 0820
08 8922 7301

Phone for clinic times and appointments

Palmerston Community Care Centre Palmerston Health Precinct
corner Temple Terrace and Roystonea Avenue
Palmerston NT 0830
08 8999 3344

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am to 5pm
Wednesday 8am to noon

Tennant Creek Community Health Care Tennant Creek Hospital
Schmidt Street
Tennant Creek NT 0860
08 8962 4218 Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm

Friends of the Top End Health Service

The Friends of the Top End Health Service (TEHS) wants to work with you to improve services. TEHS wants to hear your views about health services and how services can be better. 

By joining the Friends of TEHS you can have a say in how health services are delivered in the Top End. It is also a way for you to get involved in activities to improve the safety and quality of health care. 

Friends of TEHS wants your feedback, ideas and suggestions. You may be involved in a focus group, workshop or forum, or join a committee.

You can become involved in Friends of TEHS if you are a user or potential user of health services. This includes if you are a patient, family member or carer. 

You have the option to be involved only in activities or areas that interest you.

Skills and experience needed

You do not need any skills or experience to be involved in the program. You just need to be interested in the TEHS services and want to share your ideas and suggestions.

You will be offered some training to tell you more about TEHS and how it operates.

What will happen to your information

Your information is kept private and confidential. Your name and contact details will be sent to the activity organiser only after you have agreed to take part.

Payment for your participation

Each activity will ask for different things from you. Some may ask you to come to the hospital to take part in a focus group about the designs for the hospital. Others may ask you to read a document sent by email and provide feedback. 

Some activities will take longer than others so you may be offered a payment or gift card to thank you for your time. You will be told before you agree to any activity if a payment or gift card will be offered. 

You should think about how this will affect any benefits you are currently receiving such as pensions, family payments or newstart allowance.

Service and activity areas

You will be asked to choose the service areas and activities you are interested in on the application form.

Service areas include:

  • hospital services - Royal Darwin Hospital, Katherine Hospital and Gove District Hospital
  • mental health
  • alcohol and other drugs
  • primary health care - Darwin, Top End remote, Katherine region and East Arnhem region.

The types of activities you can be involved in include:

  • help to develop education programs for staff such as how to communicate better with the people who use TEHS services
  • be part of the planning process and help with quality activities such as Quality Week - share your story, help mind a stall, suggest new ways to improve services
  • help TEHS to review feedback management processes
  • be a voice of the community by sitting on safety and quality committees
  • help with TEHS activities such as NAIDOC Week and R U OK Day
  • help to develop and review information for TEHS consumers - internet pages, pamphlets, consumer information boards and so on
  • patient experience surveys - help TEHS develop survey tools and action plans from survey results
  • help plan future services
  • support staff working on renovations of health buildings to make sure TEHS get the best results for the community
  • take part in the evaluation of services
  • help develop or update policies - help with policies, guidelines and procedures to make sure the consumer view is represented
  • help with planning and negotiations with contractors such as the Royal Darwin Hospital cafe
  • help with the review of incidents such as patient falls or wrong medication given in error.

Contact

For more information and to express your interest email the consumer feedback coordinator: tehsconsumerfeedback.doh@nt.gov.au or call (08) 8922 6836.


Get a hearing assessment

Hearing loss can happen to anyone at any age. It's important to catch it early so that it can be treated and managed properly.

Learn more about hearing loss on the Health Direct website.

Northern Territory Hearing Services

The Northern Territory (NT) Hearing Services provides free hearing services to urban and regional areas.

The service provides:

  • newborn hearing screening and follow-up assessments
  • diagnostic hearing tests with priority given to children
  • advice and support for people with hearing impairments
  • visiting services to regional centres and remote communities.

The service does not provide:

  • services for non-NT residents
  • hearing aid fitting or repair services
  • hearing assessments for work or compensation reasons.

Access the service

You need a referral to access the service.

Anyone can make a referral, including:

  • families or caregivers
  • community nurses
  • schools and educators
  • health professionals.

What to expect

Watch the video below with your child to:

  • help prepare them for a hearing test
  • find out what to expect when you visit NT Hearing Services.

Casuarina clinic

Palmerston clinic

Referrals and eligibility

To provide you with the most appropriate appointment, you must complete a referral form.

Check your region below for more information about referrals and eligibility criteria.

Top End

Permanent hearing centres are located in Casuarina and Palmerston. The service also provides regular visits to Katherine and Nhulunbuy. All NT residents can be referred to these services.

An outreach team travels to remote communities, accepting referrals for Aboriginal people from birth to 21 years of age.

If you don't meet the eligibility criteria, you can call for assistance with finding alternative support options.

Get the referral form.

NT Hearing Services referral form DOCX (63.1 KB)
NT Hearing Services referral form PDF (181.6 KB)

You can contact the service on 08 8922 7110 or email your completed referral form to nthearing.darwin@nt.gov.au.

Central Australia and Barkly

You can access hearing services at the Alice Springs Hospital and community health centre.

Visiting services are provided to Tennant Creek and remote communities.

All NT residents can access the service.

Request a referral form by calling the Central Australia Hearing Services on 08 8951 6711 or email NTHearingAliceSprings.DoH@nt.gov.au.

Outreach visits

View the map below to check when the NT Hearing Services team will visit your community.  The map will be updated monthly.

This service is only available to those aged under 21. If you or your child would like to be seen on the next visit, contact the clinic or NT Hearing Services.


Hospital fees and charges

COVID-19 testing and treatment

If you go to a public hospital or clinic for COVID-19 testing and treatment, you won't be charged.

If you have adequate health insurance, treatment costs will be billed directly to your insurer. You will not have any out-of-pocket expenses.

Read the Northern Territory hospital fees and charges PDF (2.2 MB).

As well as admitted and non-admitted patient fees, this guide has information on fees for the following:

  • prosthetics
  • orthotics
  • dialysis
  • rehabilitation
  • medical transport
  • medical reports, records and imaging.

These charges only apply to goods and services provided to some types of patients, such as:

  • people who don't have access to Medicare, including people from overseas travelling in Australia
  • people who are covered by insurance, including workers compensation.

Naloxone

Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse the symptoms of an overdose or adverse reaction of opioids.

Symptoms can include:

  • shallow breathing
  • dilated pupils
  • dizziness and confusion
  • going unconscious
  • vomiting
  • blue lips
  • clammy skin.

This can be a result of opioids like heroin and prescription medicines such as morphine (MS Contin), oxycodone (oxycontin) and fentanyl (Duragesic).

How to use

You can give Naloxone to anyone experiencing symptoms through muscular injection or nasal spray.

It's easy to use and instructions are included with each product.

After giving Naloxone, you must still call 000 for an ambulance because it's a temporary treatment.

It only works for around an hour while heroin and other opioid drugs stay in the body for much longer.

This means they can deteriorate again once it wears off. You must follow the instructions provided by your health professional or on the product.

You can also watch the following videos on YouTube for more information on using:

How to access

The Australian Government has recently expanded funding for the Take Home Naloxone (THN) program.

This program allows people to access Naloxone for free and without a prescription from pharmacies.

From 2023, other services may be approved to supply Naloxone.

To access it, you must let them know if it's the first time you have accessed Naloxone and if it's for yourself.

For more information about the THN program, go to the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Where to access

There are currently 21 THN locations across Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek below.

Providers marked with an asterisk are also needle and syringe program outlets.

Darwin

  • Wizard Pharmacy Casuarina*
  • Chemist Warehouse Casuarina
  • Hibiscus Pharmacy*
  • Winnellie Compounding Pharmacy*
  • Chemist Warehouse Marrara - Northlakes Shopping Centre
  • Chemist Warehouse Ludmilla
  • Chemist Warehouse Darwin GPO
  • Chemist Warehouse Darwin
  • Chemist Warehouse Darwin - Mitchell Street
  • Blooms The Chemist Darwin Galleria
  • Blooms The Chemist Darwin Plaza

Palmerston

  • Chemist Warehouse Durack
  • Chemist Warehouse Coolalinga Central
  • Palmerston Superclinic Pharmacy*
  • Better Health Pharmacy Coolalinga*
  • Berry Springs Pharmacy*

Alice Springs

  • Northside Pharmacy*
  • Priceline Pharmacy Alice Springs*
  • United Chemists Alice Springs*
  • Alice Springs Pharmacy

Tennant Creek

  • United Chemists Tennant Creek

Contact

For more information about the THN program, email SexualHealthandBloodBorneViruses.PublicHealthDirectorate@nt.gov.au.

If you would like to be an authorised Naloxone provider under the THN program, contact Medicines and Poisons by:


Needle and syringe program

The Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) can provide you with sterile injecting equipment and safe sharps disposal. NSPs are one of the approaches used by the National Drug Strategy in harm reduction.

The program provides a range of services which include free:

  • injecting equipment
  • safe disposal
  • education on harm reduction and healthy, safe injecting practices
  • referrals to drug treatment programs and support
  • take home naloxone.

The NSP aims to prevent the spread of blood borne viruses and other harms from injecting drugs. It does this by reducing the sharing or reuse of injecting equipment.

There are several types of NSP outlets in the Northern Territory (NT):

  • primary and secondary outlets
  • after hours dispensing units (ADU)
  • some pharmacies.

Look for the NSP logo to help identify if the location has  NSP services.

Northern Territory Needle and Syringe Program logo

NSP outlets

Find primary, secondary and pharmacy outlets, as well as ADUs below.

Primary outlets

There are 3 NSP primary outlet locations in the NT:

  • Darwin
  • Palmerston
  • Alice Springs.

These outlets are run by the NT AIDS and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC).

Primary outlets offer:

  • a large range of free injecting equipment
  • 24-hour disposal of equipment
  • staff with lived experience of injecting
  • education on harm reduction and healthy, safe injecting practices
  • referrals to drug treatment programs and other supports
  • free tokens for the ADUs
  • take home naloxone.

For locations, opening times and contact information, go to the NTAHC website.

Secondary outlets

There are 12 NSP secondary outlets in the NT.

These outlets are operated by:

Secondary outlets offer:

  • a limited range of injecting equipment for free
  • limited disposal facilities.

Some secondary outlets offer tokens for the ADU.

Pharmacy outlets

There are 21 pharmacy NSP outlets in the NT.

Pharmacy outlets provide a limited range of injecting equipment for sale. Some also have disposal facilities.

Get a list of pharmacy locations and contact information on the NTAHC website.

ADUs

ADUs provide 24-hour access to sterile injecting equipment for free in:

  • Darwin
  • Palmerston
  • Humpty Doo
  • Katherine
  • Nhulunbuy
  • Tennant Creek
  • Alice Springs.

The Humpty Doo and Alice Springs units, are token operated and don't take coins.

A token can be collected for free from an NSP outlet in the area.

Each pack dispensed from an ADU contains a token so that you can access the equipment you need.

Find out more about ADUs on the NTAHC website.

Free Take Home Naloxone (THN)

Naloxone is a potentially life-saving medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, read more about Naloxone.

Free THN can be accessed at all 3 primary NSP outlets.

Find more about free THN on the NTAHC website.

There are 31 pharmacies across the NT where free THN can be accessed.

Check out the NT sites registered for THN.

Contact

For more information, call the Public Health Unit Directorate Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus program on 08 8922 8487.


Organ donation

One organ and tissue donor can transform the lives of 10 or more people.

You should discuss organ donation with your family so they know your wishes. You should know what their wishes are too.

For many people donating a loved one's organ comforts them in their loss.

Families that have discussed organ donation find it much easier to agree to a loved one becoming a donor.

How to register your donation decision

You can register your donation decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR).

Registration forms are available at Medicare or at the Australian Organ Donor Register website.

Further information

DonateLife NT provide education about donation in Darwin and Alice Springs.

They work to raise awareness, increase organ and tissue donation, encourage discussion and offer support to donor families.

For more information call DonateLife NT on (08) 8922 8349 or go to the DonateLife website.


Palliative care in the NT

Palliative care is a special type of care for a person who is terminally ill and approaching the end of their life.

The aim of palliative care is to:

  • affirm life and regard dying as a normal process
  • neither hasten nor prolong death
  • provide relief from pain and distressing symptoms
  • manage the psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects of patient care
  • offer support to help patients maximise their quality of life
  • offer support to help the family cope during the patient's illness and in bereavement
  • consider the patient's choice of setting of care, including at the end of life.

Territory Palliative Care services

Territory Palliative Care (TPC) provides palliative care services to the Northern Territory. Its two teams are based in Darwin and Alice Springs.

TPC provides high quality palliative care that responds to the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients with an underpinning of cultural sensitivity.

TPC cares for inpatients (hospital and hospice) and outpatient/community patients. This care is for patients with a life limiting diagnosis in the last months of their lives.

Darwin

The Top End TPC services operates from the hospice, which is a 12-bed stand-alone unit within the Royal Darwin Hospital campus. Inpatient and outpatient, including rural and remote, palliative care teams are based here.

The team includes medical, nursing, occupational therapy, social workers and physiotherapy staff.

Location and contact

Rocklands Drive
Casuarina NT 0810

PO Box 41326
Casuarina NT 0811

Phone: 08 8922 7962
Fax: 08 8922 7977

Alice Springs

In Central Australia, the service operates from the palliative care facility, a 10-bed stand-alone unit within the Alice Springs Hospital campus. The service provides:

  • inpatient and outpatient support to aged-care facilities and
  • patients at home in rural and remote areas.

TPC services work closely with a variety of health care professionals to provide the best care possible.

Location and contact

Alice Springs Hospital
Entrance on Simpson Street
Alice Springs NT 0870

PO Box 721
Alice Springs NT 0871

Phone: 08 8951 9198


Secure care

NT Health manages 2 specialist forensic disability support facilities in the Northern Territory - cottages and a secure care facility.

Cottages

The cottages are on the grounds of the Darwin Correctional Precinct.

The cottages are not exclusively a ‘step-down’ from the Darwin Correctional Centre.

They are a facility where specialist disability services can be undertaken for eligible clients who need a higher level of support in relation to high risk behaviours.

The cottages are staffed by disability support workers trained to support clients with disabilities.

They are administered under the Disability Services Act 1993.

Secure care

The secure care facility is next to the Alice Springs Correctional Centre.

The facility provides direct care services to high risk, complex clients who are subject to custodial and non-custodial supervision orders under the Criminal Code. It also provides care to clients with dual diagnosis and exceptional needs.

The service provides 24/7 residential care, intensive therapeutic interventions and person-centred support to enable clients to:

  • improve health and wellbeing and maximise their quality of life
  • reduce risk behaviours
  • increase opportunities for community integration.

The aim of the 24/7 intensive therapeutic disability residential care is to increase client capacity to enable them to step down to a less restrictive care setting as quickly and as safely as possible.

Eligibility of clients under supervision orders made by the Supreme Court

The existence of a supervision order for a client does not make a client automatically eligible or ineligible for the service.

Clients will be assessed individually by the Forensic Disability Unit against eligibility criteria.

Clients subject to a supervision order under part IIA of the Criminal Code must be assessed and approved for admission procedures, and are subject to the eligibility criteria under section 5 of the Act. Clients subject to an order are prioritised.


Sexual assault referral centres

Sexual assault referral centres (SARC) can give you support if you have experienced sexual assault.

Sexual assault can be verbal harassment, unwanted touching or an attack.

Services

SARC provides the following services:

  • counselling for adults and children who have been sexually assaulted at any time in their life
  • information, support and counselling for non-offending parents, family members and partners
  • education and information for community or professional groups
  • support if you are going through a legal process
  • protective behaviour for children
  • working with other government agencies to work on prevention.

In the Darwin and Alice Springs SARC you can get 24 hour access to medical, legal and counselling information.

Medical help

In the Darwin and Alice Springs SARC you can get 24 hour medical assistance from doctors if you have been recently sexually assaulted.

Medical assistance includes:

  • screening and preventative treatment for sexually transmitted infections
  • pregnancy prevention
  • collection of forensic evidence
  • screening for drugs where drink spiking is suspected
  • providing a medico-legal report.

Services also include the medical examination of children where child sexual assault is suspected.

Contact

Darwin: 08 8922 6472

Katherine: 08 8973 8524

Tennant Creek: 08 8962 4361

Alice Springs: 08 8955 4500

You can call Darwin and Alice Springs 24 hours a day to get help for recent incidents of sexual assault.

Other NT sexual assault services

In Darwin, you can call Ruby Gaea: 08 8945 0155

NT-wide you can call 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732


Smoking near hospitals

Smoking is not allowed on any hospital grounds in the Northern Territory, except where there are designated smoking areas.

Read more about smoking.


Abortion: termination of pregnancy in the NT

If you're pregnant and unsure about your options, you can talk to your doctor, a health professional or the Family Planning Welfare Association.

Early and later stages of termination (also known as an abortion) are available in the Northern Territory (NT).

Continue reading below for information about pregnancy options in the NT.

Information for health professionals including the online form for prescribed information reporting, is available from the Department of Health website.

A booklet is available to help you understand your options, read pregnancy options in the NT PDF (231.6 KB). You can also access translations of this booklet below.

Pregnancy options can include:

  • continuing the pregnancy and parenting
  • adoption
  • termination of the pregnancy.

It is important that you talk to a health professional about your options, this could be with your:

  • doctor
  • midwife
  • nurse
  • Aboriginal Health Practitioner.

Information about pregnancy options is available in Aboriginal languages, you can get the audio by emailing womenshealth.doh@nt.gov.au.

If you live in Darwin or Palmerston, you can make an appointment with Family Planning NT.

You can support yourself by talking to an understanding friend or family member, or make an appointment with a counsellor. Your doctor or healthcare team can help you with finding the right support.

The pregnancy will need to be confirmed by a doctor.

If you're considering your options, you should let your doctor know at the time of your appointment.

If your doctor will not help you, they must refer you within 2 working days to another doctor who will.

At your appointment the doctor will determine how many weeks pregnant you are, to do this they will:

  • ask you when the first day of your last menstrual period was
  • request a blood test
  • request an ultrasound.

How many weeks pregnant you are will help inform what termination options are available to you.

You and your doctor can also discuss options for contraception.

Termination options

A booklet is available to help you understand what to expect when having a termination, read having a termination of pregnancy in the NT PDF (296.6 KB). You can also access translations of this booklet below.

Information about pregnancy options is available in Aboriginal languages, you can get the audio by emailing womenshealth.doh@nt.gov.au.

Sometimes you might have to travel and stay close to medical facilities during or after your termination. Speak with your doctor about the patient travel scheme.

Your healthcare team will carefully monitor your health before and after a termination.

Options by weeks pregnant

Weeks pregnantOptions
Less than 9 weeks pregnant You can take medicine for the termination at a safe place of your choice or in a hospital setting.
You can have a surgical termination of pregnancy in a hospital.
Between 9 to 23 weeks pregnant You will need to have the termination in hospital.
More than 24 weeks pregnant If you're more than 24 weeks pregnant, your doctor will have to talk with at least one other doctor (who will also examine you) about your request for a termination.

Medicine

You and your doctor may discuss prescribed medicine if you're less than 9 weeks.

The doctor will ask about your circumstances and will consider your preferences.

If needed, your doctor can help with accessing services outside of your community.

Surgical

A surgical procedure is done at a hospital, at either:

  • Royal Darwin Hospital
  • Palmerston Hospital
  • Alice Springs Hospital
  • Gove Hospital
  • Katherine Hospital.

Follow up appointment

A follow-up appointment will be made with your doctor 2 to 3 weeks after your termination.

Your doctor may discuss with you:

  • contraception
  • available supports.

No matter your age, you might prefer to have someone accompany you for support and to help with decision making.

Over 18 years old

If you're over 18 years of age, and not under the care of an adult guardian because of a disability, then you are able to make the decision without anyone other than your medical team being involved.

Under 18 years old

If you're under 18 years of age, the doctor will consider whether you can make important decision about your medical treatment on your own.

14 years old or younger

If you're 14 or younger, you may need to have a person with parental authority to help make a decision.

The parental authority will need to show the doctor that:

  • they support your choices
  • will keep your information confidential
  • are taking on board your wishes.

An adult who does not have parental responsibility cannot give consent to medical treatment.

If your doctor considers you to be able to make decisions for yourself, you cannot be forced to have medical treatment.


Your rights when accessing healthcare

When accessing healthcare in the Northern Territory (NT), you have certain rights under the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights.

These rights help to make sure you get the best treatment.

It describes what you (or someone you care for) can expect from staff at any healthcare facility you visit.

All staff must treat you this way including nurses, doctors, cleaners, food staff and reception staff.

For more information about your rights, read below.

If you don’t understand your rights, you can talk to staff at any healthcare facility.

Your rights include access to all healthcare services, such as:

  • facilities - including hospitals, doctor clinics, dentists and community health centres
  • treatments - including advice from doctors and specialists, medical tests, medicines and surgeries.

Your rights include feeling safe when receiving healthcare:

  • that is right for you
  • in a safe space
  • that makes you feel safe.

Your rights include being treated with respect and in a fair way that aligns with your:

  • choices
  • culture (how you think and what you do)
  • identity (who you are)
  • beliefs (things you think).

Your rights include being involved in your care when you want to be.

This means you can:

  • ask questions
  • make decisions with your healthcare provider
  • get help to make decisions when needed
  • include people you want in your healthcare, like family and friends
  • choose which healthcare provider helps you.

Your rights include access to information about you and your health.

You also have the right to:

  • get help to understand information about your health, like an interpreter
  • get information about:
    • places you need to go for your healthcare
    • how to get there
    • if there are any waiting times and
    • if it will cost you anything.

When you’re given information about your health, it helps you decide what to do.

For example, you will be told the good and bad things that might happen from treatments and tests so you can decide ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Your rights include making sure any treatments you receive are in private (if you want them to be).

This includes keeping:

  • your healthcare information safe and confidential
  • information away from anyone who shouldn’t see it.

You have the right to tell us what you think about the services you have received and the way you have been treated.

This can be a:

  • compliment - if you’re happy with a staff member or treatment you’ve received
  • complaint - if a healthcare provider or facility may have done something that you didn’t like, or made you feel bad
  • suggestion - if you want to give ideas for changing things.

Feedback is encouraged as it can help make services and the care you get better for everyone.

To give feedback or to make a complaint online, go to the Department of Health website.

You can also fill in a feedback form when you’re at any healthcare facility.


Telehealth

    You can have a consultation with a healthcare provider by phone or video call.

    This is also known as a telehealth appointment.

    A telehealth appointment is the same as a face-to-face appointment, except you don’t see your healthcare provider in person.

    If you know how to make and receive phone and video calls with friends and family, then you should be able to use telehealth.

    Benefits

    The benefits of telehealth include:

    • you can have a support person with you
    • less travelling and costs
    • less time away from family, work and community
    • improved access to follow-up appointments
    • not having to leave home if you’re unwell or self-isolating.

    Read more about the benefits and importance of telehealth on the  Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website or go to the Australian digital health website.

    What you need for a video call

    You should check that you can receive and make video calls with your device.

    Devices must have:

    • internet connection
    • a camera such as on a smartphone, laptop or webcam
    • headphones or speakers
    • microphone.

    This could be using your:

    • tablet or ipad
    • laptop or desktop computer
    • smartphone.

    You do not need to download any special software or applications but you should check you're using the latest internet browser for your chosen device.

    Learn more about device requirements on the healthdirect video call website.

    Telehealth appointments with a private practice

    Many doctors and medical centres now offer telehealth appointments.

    If you have a preferred healthcare provider, ask if this is an option for you.

    Sometimes doctors do need to see you in person.

    Most telehealth appointments are by video call, but can also be over the phone.

    Private practices all use similar telehealth products to host and conduct their video calls.

    Contact the medical centre that you made your appointment with if you need help preparing for your appointment.

    Requesting a telehealth appointment with NT Health

    Telehealth appointments can be arranged for many NT Health services.

    It will depend on your circumstances, health condition and treatment needs.

    You will need to discuss your preferences when:

    • being referred to an NT Health service
    • making arrangements for future appointments
    • you are leaving the hospital and need to come back for any follow-up appointments.

    If your appointment has already been booked, you can contact the service to ask about changing your appointment to telehealth.

    Details will be on your appointment letter, email or SMS.

    Accessing telehealth in remote locations

    If you live or work in a remote area of the NT and need specialist healthcare, your health clinic or doctor might use telehealth to consult with an NT Health service or specialist during your appointment.

    Your health clinic can continue to help with any follow up appointments if you:

    • don't have access to the technology
    • don't have reliable internet access or
    • need further assistance.

    Call your health clinic to discuss.

    A local library or council may also be able to provide a private room, devices or internet access for your appointment.

    Emergency telehealth

    In  some remote health clinics, there are special cameras in emergency rooms.

    When the camera is shared, doctors can support health clinics remotely during the emergency.

    If telehealth is not an option

    If your healthcare team decides they need to see you in person and you need to travel a long distance for your appointment, you may be eligible for the patient assistance travel scheme.

    If you're a senior or you are mobility impaired and your appointment is at Royal Darwin Hospital or Palmerston Regional Hospital you can book the free bus services for appointments.

    Preparing for a telehealth appointment with video call

    When you have a telehealth appointment with NT Health services, it will normally be hosted using healthdirect video call.

    For information about healthdirect video call and privacy and security, go to the healthdirect video call website.

    Before your video call appointment

    You will receive a letter, email or SMS with your appointment details.

    Before your appointment you should:

    Starting your video call appointment

    When it's time for your appointment you will need to:

    • access the link provided to you in the letter, email or SMS at the right date and time
    • inform the healthcare team if you've invited someone else to your appointment.

    You will enter the virtual waiting room until your healthcare team starts the appointment with you.

    Watch the video below on how to access a video call appointment.

    After your video call appointment

    After your appointment, you will have the option to provide feedback about your telehealth experience through a quick survey.

    You can also contact NT Health Virtual Care team by emailing virtualcare.nthealth@nt.gov.au.

    Contact

    If you have any questions or if you're having technical difficulties, read the contact details on your appointment letter, email or SMS.


    Tuberculosis (TB) clinic

    TB clinics in the Northern Territory (NT) are for the testing and management of TB.

    Testing can be for people who have:

    • no symptoms, but could have the bacteria inside their body, this is known as latent TB
    • symptoms and may have the bacteria inside their body causing them to be unwell, this is known as active TB.

    Latent TB can progress to active TB, learn more about tuberculosis (TB).

    When to get tested

    There can be different reasons why you might need to get tested.

    Health

    A healthcare provider may request that you get tested.

    Reasons might include:

    • you have symptoms
    • been in a close contact with someone who has active TB
    • you had a chest x-ray that needs further investigation
    • starting treatment or medication that changes your immune system, such as chemotherapy
    • getting the TB vaccine
    • donating an organ.

    Employment, travel and immigration

    There are times when it maybe required or recommended that you get a TB test.

    Reasons might include:

    • if you are travelling to or from a country with high rates of TB
    • to meet immigration requirements
    • to meet employment requirements.

    Types of TB tests

    Testing at the clinic might include:

    • the Mantoux test
    • blood tests
    • chest x-ray
    • sputum test
    • physical check-up.

    Mantoux test

    The test involves a small amount of fluid being injected under the skin on your arm.

    After 2 or 3 days, your arm is checked for a bump on the skin.

    The size of the bump will determine if the test is positive. If your test is positive, it means you may have been exposed to TB in the past. You might need to get a chest x-ray and physical examination to check for signs of active TB.

    To find out more, get the fact sheet from the NT Health digital library.

    Chest x-ray

    Chest x-ray is used to look for signs of active TB in your lungs.

    Sputum test

    Sputum test is used to look for active TB in your lungs.

    The test involves producing sputum that is coughed up from deep in the lungs .

    Vaccine

    The Bacille calmette-guĂ©rin (BCG) vaccine is available at the Casuarina Community Care Centre in Darwin.

    You can make a booking through the Darwin TB Clinic.

    The BCG vaccine is also available in Alice Springs at BCG clinics held every 6 to 8 weeks. You can make a booking through Alice Springs Community Health.

    To find out more, get the fact sheet from the NT Health digital library website.

    TB management

    If you are unwell with TB, sometimes you may need to be treated in hospital for the first part of your treatment.

    You will then have follow-up appointments at the clinic.

    If you are confirmed to have latent TB the clinic will provide you with advice.

    Find a TB clinic

    Clinics are open Monday to Friday.

    The clinic accepts walk-ins for the Mantoux test, no appointment is necessary on the following days:

    • Mondays
    • Tuesdays
    • Fridays.

    Location

    The Darwin TB clinic is located at the Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) campus, in the John Hargrave Building (building 4).

    Call the clinic on 08 8922 8804.

    How to get there

    By car or taxi:

    • enter RDH campus via Florey Avenue off Rocklands Drive
    • take the first left on to Hippocrates Road
    • continue around to the right onto Paracelus Road
    • free parking is available at car parks 8B, 11 and 7
    • disability car parks and taxi drop off are at car park 11
    • the TB clinic is accessible from car park 11.

    From the bus stop or the front of the hospital:

    • enter RDH from the main entrance facing Florey Avenue
    • Follow the signs for outpatient and radiology department
    • at the end of the corridor:
      • locate the blue sign for x-ray and
      • use the grey exit door leading to the ramp down to Nightingale Road
      • use the zebra crossing to building 4
      • follow the sign to the TB clinic on the ground floor, Green Wing.

    Make an appointment at the Nhulunbuy TB clinic on 08 8987 0357.

    Location

    Centre for Disease Control
    Corner Mathew Flinders Way and Chesterfield Court
    Nhulunbuy NT 0880

    Make an appointment at the Katherine TB clinic on 08 8973 9049.

    Location

    Centre for Disease Control
    O'Keefe House
    Katherine Hospital
    Gorge Road
    Katherine NT 0850

    Make an appointment at the Alice Springs TB clinic on 08 8951 7540.

    Location

    Centre for Disease Control
    Lower Ground Floor
    Eurilpa House
    25 Todd Street
    Alice Springs NT 0870


    Children's allied health therapy services

    If you have any concerns for a child's development, you can refer them to therapy services.

    Services

    Free therapy services are provided to children from birth to 18 years old, if they are:

    • Medicare eligible
    • not on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

    The team collaborates with families and caregivers to determine the most effective way to support the child's needs.

    Therapist include:

    • physiotherapists
    • occupational therapists
    • speech pathologists
    • allied health assistants.

    The team can provide:

    • developmental assessments
    • interventions based on identified goals
    • support to educators and other community members involved in the child's care
    • connection to NDIS and other services.

    Access the service

    With the families consent, anyone can make a referral, including:

    • families or caregivers
    • community nurses
    • educators
    • GPs and paediatricians
    • other health professionals.

    Contact a team to request a referral form. Completed forms can be emailed.

    Contact

    Children's allied health services are supported by both the Children's Development Team and other NT Health community allied health services. Contact the team in your region.

    The Darwin Children's Development Team is based in Darwin and do not travel remotely.

    Request a referral form or contact the team on 08 8922 7283 or CDTAdmin.ths@nt.gov.au.

    Send completed referrals to TopEndintake.ths@nt.gov.au.

    The team is located at:

    First floor, Casuarina Plaza
    258 Trower Road, Casuarina

    The Community Allied Health Team supports both children and adults in the remote Top End and East Arnhem regions.

    Request a referral form or contact the team on 08 8924 8621 or CAHT.THS@nt.gov.au.

    Send completed referrals to TopEndintake.ths@nt.gov.au.

    The office is located at:

    First floor, Casuarina Plaza
    258 Trower Road, Casuarina

    There is no walk in service available at this location.

    Communities supported by the team include:

    Greater Darwin:

    • Marrakai
    • Middle Point
    • Batchelor
    • Adelaide River
    • Belyuen
    • Wagait Beach
    • Dundee

    Darwin Remote:

    • Wadeye
    • Tiwi Islands
    • Maningrida
    • Minjilang
    • Warruwi
    • Jabiru
    • Gunbalanya
    • Palumpa
    • Peppimenarti.

    East Arnhem:

    • Groote Eylandt
    • Numbulwar
    • Nhulunbuy
    • Yirrikala
    • Elcho Island
    • Ramingining
    • Milingimbi.

    The Big River Allied Health Team supports both children and adults.

    Request a referral form or contact the team on 08 8973 8778 or CAHT.BRR@nt.gov.au.

    The team is located at:

    5 Kintore St
    Katherine

    Children’s Development Team in Alice Springs provides services to Alice Springs, Central Australia remote and all Barkly regions.

    The team works to deliver services in community based settings.

    Alice Springs holds a drop in clinic, for physiotherapy and speech pathology services, no referral is needed.

    Request a referral form or contact the Alice Springs Children's Development Team on 08 8951 6711 or CentralAustraliaintake.ths@nt.gov.au.

    The team is located at:

    Flynn Drive Community Health Centre
    Building A, Alice Springs


    Adult allied health therapy services

    The NT Health allied health teams provide free therapy services to adults who are:

    • Medicare eligible
    • not on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
    • not on the motor accident compensation (MAC) scheme.

    Therapy services available

    The service is goal based and time limited.

    The team includes:

    • physiotherapists
    • occupational therapists
    • speech pathologists
    • allied health assistants.

    Services can include:

    • strategies for clients, families and caregivers
    • connecting with NDIS and other services
    • providing support for aged care staff and clients
    • scripting and issuing of assistive technology to promote independence in the home or community.

    Therapy teams and services may differ between regions, contact the team in your region to find out more.

    Access the service

    With consent, anyone can make a referral, including:

    • yourself
    • families
    • community nurses
    • health professionals.

    Contact the team to request a referral form. Completed forms can be emailed to the team.

    Contact

    Contact the team in your region.

    The Community Allied Health Team supports adults in the Darwin and Palmerston region.

    Occupational therapy excludes adults over the age of 65.

    Aged care clients with a level 3 or 4 home care package are unable to refer to this team.

    Request a referral form or contact the team on 08 8944 8641 or CAHT.THS@nt.gov.au.

    Send completed referrals to Topendintake.ths@nt.gov.au.

    The team is located at:

    Level 1C, 258 Trower Road
    Casuarina NT 0810

    The Community Allied Health Team supports both children and adults in the remote Top End and East Arnhem.

    Request a referral form or contact the team on 08 8944 8641 or CAHT.THS@nt.gov.au.

    Send completed referrals to Topendintake.ths@nt.gov.au.

    The team is located at:

    Level 1C, 258 Trower Road
    Casuarina NT 0810

    The communities supported by the team include:

    Greater Darwin:

    • Marrakai
    • Middle Point
    • Batchelor
    • Adelaide River
    • Belyuen
    • Wagait Beach
    • Dundee

    Darwin Remote:

    • Wadeye
    • Tiwi Islands
    • Maningrida
    • Minjilang
    • Warruwi
    • Jabiru
    • Gunbalanya
    • Palumpa
    • Peppimenarti.

    East Arnhem:

    • Groote Eylandt
    • Numbulwar
    • Nhulunbuy
    • Yirrikala
    • Elcho Island
    • Ramingining
    • Milingimbi.

    The Big River Allied Health Team supports both children and adults.

    Request a referral form or contact the team on 08 8973 8778 or CAHT.BRR@nt.gov.au.

    The team is located at:

    5 Kintore St
    Katherine

    The Barkly Outreach Team provides services to Tennant Creek to both children and adults.

    The team works in partnership with the NT Primary Health Network and includes additional services of dietitians and podiatrists.

    Request a referral form or contact the team on 08 8962 4653 or DistrictAdminPHCBarkly.CAHS@nt.gov.au.

    The team is located at:

    45 Schmidt Street
    Tennant Creek

    The communities supported by the team include:

    • Elliot
    • Lake Nash
    • Epenarra
    • Canteen Creek
    • Ali Curung.

    Adult Allied Health Team supports adults in Alice Springs, Central Australia Remote communities, Tenant Creek and Barkly remote communities.

    Aged care clients with a level 3 or 4 home care package may have limited access to this service.

    Request a referral form or contact the team on 08 8951 6744 or centralaustraliaintake.ths@nt.gov.au.

    The team is located at:

    Eurilpa House
    First Floor, Alice Springs


    Clinic 34

    Clinic 34 is a specialised sexual health service that provides testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses in the Northern Territory (NT).

    You do not need a Medicare card, this means anyone can access the service for free.

    Your Privacy

    The information you provide can be sensitive, your  personal information is kept private and confidential.

    Your name is not on any results, codes are used so that only Clinic 34 staff can connect your name to your results.

    The answers to any questions are confidential and you can skip any you don't want to answer.

    Let the clinic know if you prefer to talk to someone with the same or different gender.

    Questions you may be asked

    When you first attend a clinic, to help the clinicians with your care, you will be asked some questions about your:

    • general health
    • sexual health
    • sexual history.

    How the tests are done

    Where possible, the tests can be done on your own in a private bathroom. You will be given instructions on how to take the samples.

    Clinic 34 may use any of the following for testing:

    • blood
    • urine (pee)
    • swabs

    If you need an examination, this will be discussed with you.

    Test results

    Some results will be available on the day, others within one to 2 weeks.

    You will be contacted using the information you have provided to the clinic.

    Treatment

    If you need treatment, it will be provided to you for free.

    You must complete your course of treatment even if you feel better so that the infection can be completely treated.

    Services

    Services includes free access to:

    You should see your regular doctor (GP), remote primary health clinic or visit the Family Planning  Welfare Association of NT Inc website for more information, if you need:

    • general medical care
    • cervical screening (previously known as pap smears)
    • ongoing contraception.

    Find  your local Clinic 34

    Find contact information and opening hours for your clinic below.

    All clinics are closed on weekends and public holidays.

    Appointments are encouraged, you should call the clinic if you need a walk-in appointment.

    Make an appointment

    Phone: 08 8999 2678

    Location

    Red Wing, John Hargrave Building (Building 4)
    Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH)
    105 Rocklands Drive
    Tiwi NT 0810

    Directions

    By car or taxi:

    • enter RDH campus via Florey Avenue off Rocklands Drive
    • take the first left on to Hippocrates Road
    • take the first right on Nightingale Road
    • there is parking available at car park 4 and car park 5 at the end of Nightingale Road. Building 4 is located after the  Flinders University overpass if walking from that car park
    • follow the signs to Clinic 34.

    From bus stop or front of the hospital:

    • enter RDH from the main entrance facing Florey Avenue
    • follow the signs for outpatient and radiology department, at the end of the corridor:
      • locate the blue sign for x-ray and
      • use the grey exit door leading to the ramp down to Nightingale Road
    • use the zebra crossing to building 4 follow the signs to Clinic 34.

    Make an appointment

    Clinic hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm, call 08 8951 7549.

    Location

    Ground Floor, Eurilpa House
    25 Todd Street
    Alice Springs NT 0870

    Directions

    Eurilpa House is between the Mega Fauna Museum and Novita Gifts at the cinema end of the Mall.
    The clinic is at the back of Eurilpa house.

    Make an appointment

    Clinic hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4pm, call 08 8962 4259.

    Location

    Tennant Creek Hospital
    Corner Windly and Schmidt Streets
    Tennant Creek NT 0860

    Make an appointment

    Clinic hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3.30pm, call 08 8973 9049.

    Location

    First floor, O'Keefe House
    Katherine Hospital campus
    Gorge Road
    Katherine NT 0852

    Make an appointment

    Clinic hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4pm, call 08 8987 0357.

    Location

    CDC Building
    Corner of Matthew Flinders Way and Chesterfield Circuit 
    Endeavour Square, Nhulunbuy Community
    Nhulunbuy NT 0880