Minister for Health
Media Release Royal Darwin Hospital’s new 32 bed ward to help deliver better care
2 September 2026
First patients will now start receiving care in the new 32 bed ward at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH).
The new $23.95 million ward increases the number of beds available at RDH helping to improve patient flow and ease capacity pressures.
The new facility has been designed as a multipurpose ward to care for bariatric, renal and general medical patients.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is boosting hospital capacity and strengthening frontline healthcare with the opening of a new $23.95 million, 32 bed ward at Royal Darwin Hospital.
The new facility has been designed as a multipurpose ward to care for bariatric, renal and general medical patients, and has been designed and built in accordance with the Australasian Health Facility Guidelines.
This week the new ward will welcome patients as part of a staged opening with the first 12 beds open with more coming online over coming weeks.
The ward’s flexible clinical design includes beside cardiac monitoring, additional isolation capacity, bariatric accommodation, and additional space for patients experiencing cognitive impairment.
Patient needs are better supported with general and shared bays, and isolated bays, which enable separation when clinically required.
The ward also includes connections that allow dialysis to be provided at the bedside, strengthening the care and support of patients within a ward.
The addition of negative pressure rooms helps reduce the risk of airborne infections.
Minister for Health, Steve Edgington, said the CLP Government was helping deliver better healthcare for Territorians.
“As part of the CLP Government’s commitment to restoring our unique Territory Lifestyle, we are pleased that we can start operating this new ward,” Minister Edgington said.
“Supporting Territorians with a better and stronger health system is central to making the Territory the best place to live, work, visit and invest.”
“As part of our year of growth, certainty and security, the CLP Government is delivering better health infrastructure for Territorians with this new ward.
“Improving health services and bringing on more capacity is an important part of ensuring a stronger health system for Territorians.”
The CLP Government provided additional funding in the health budget this year of $18.3m to open and operate the new 32 bed ward.
The new 32 bed ward is connected to the main RDH tower by a link bridge, allowing patients and staff to move easily between the two buildings.
The new ward is located at the front of RDH’s main carpark next to the café. The building is elevated, allowing for a two-level undercover car park.
Construction of the 32-bed ward supported 130 jobs during construction.
As previously announced, construction of the new Mental Health Inpatient Unit (MHIU) at RDH is nearing completion, with the internal fit out underway and connections to the existing RDH building and adjacent Cowdy Ward Building being constructed.
The MHIU will improve acute mental health service capacity in the Top End. The new facility will provide 24 inpatient beds, support services and a six bed Stabilisation Assessment and Referral Area, and support services.
