National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre Field Hospital

The impact of persistent monsoonal rainfall and rapidly rising river levels has been profound, with many residents experiencing evacuation, damage to homes and livelihoods, and the strain of an extended emergency event. Critical infrastructure was affected, including the closure of Katherine Hospital on two occasions, requiring patient transfers to Darwin and Palmerston.

Throughout this challenging period, hundreds of personnel have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community. Emergency responders, health professionals, volunteers and local leaders have demonstrated professionalism, resilience and a strong commitment to supporting one another.

A key part of the response has been the establishment of the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (AUSMAT) field hospital. The first deployment of its scale in Australia, providing 24-hour emergency and essential health services alongside NT Health staff.