Arabic version: تحقيق يكشف عن مخاوف بشأن نظام سجلات المرضى أكاسيا في الإقليم الشمالي
An inquiry into the Northern Territory’s Acacia health patient record system has raised serious concerns regarding patient safety and workplace culture. According to ABC News, the system, initially launched in late 2023, was suspended within two months in the Royal Darwin Hospital’s emergency department due to its detrimental impact on patient care. Despite these concerns, Acacia was reintroduced to the emergency department in late 2025.
During the inquiry, medical professionals testified that the Acacia system has led to significant delays in patient care, with reports indicating that triage times have exceeded national benchmarks. Australian Medical Association NT president John Zorbas highlighted issues such as incorrect patient records and delays in accessing clinical information, which he argued pose a serious risk to patient safety.
The financial implications of the Acacia rollout have also come under scrutiny, with costs ballooning from an initial budget of $186 million in 2016 to $323 million. NT Health officials attributed these cost overruns to COVID-19 impacts and delays in the opening of Palmerston Regional Hospital, while forecasting additional time needed to complete the project.
Despite these challenges, NT Health chief executive Chris Hosking described Acacia as a “resounding success,” although he acknowledged the validity of some concerns raised by medical staff. The inquiry is set to produce a report that will include findings and recommendations based on the testimonies presented during the hearings.
