A Code Red was called this morning at the Royal Darwin Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after staff noticed smoke and an acrid smell in the area.
The NT Fire and Rescue Service was immediately called and all 23 babies were evacuated by staff and relocated to another nursery in the building.
The incident occurred at 6.25am and NT Fire and Rescue Services declared the area safe at 7.10am. The Code Red was also revoked at this time.
The incident was related to an equipment electrical fault. Royal Darwin Hospital engineering and support services have undertaken a review of the unit’s electrical equipment and deemed it to be safe.
All parents of the babies were notified of the incident at the time. All of the babies have been clinically assessed and found to be well. There were also no staff injuries. The babies have been safely returned to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Acknowledgement to the staff for their immediate action and response, and thanks to the NT Fire and Rescue Service.
