Five surgeons have resigned from a Northern Territory hospital as a result of an unresolved pay dispute.
A spokeswoman for Royal Darwin Hospital on Wednesday confirmed the territory's health department was taking part in employment talks with seven of the hospital's 15 general surgeons - five of whom have since resigned.
It is understood the dispute began about 15 months ago and discussions are still underway with all seven of the surgeons involved."There is the possibility that disruption to some elective surgery will take place, but we will be taking every measure possible to avoid any disruption to patients," the spokeswoman said.
Royal Darwin Hospital acting general manager Alan Wilson told reporters five of the surgeons had given notice of their resignation, ranging from 10 days to three months."We are of course really disappointed with that, as these are good people who we'd like to keep on our staff," he said.
"That said we have responsibilities across the wider NT health sector and to our patients, so we'll be looking at making permanent and short-term appointments to some vacancies."Country Liberals spokesman for health Matt Conlon said the resignations were further proof the Henderson Government was losing control of the territory health system.
"(The government) must ensure a satisfactory agreement is reached with surgeons - who already labour under the strain of elective surgery waiting lists - and when that's completed, he must re-instate the surgeons who have resigned," he said in a statement."I understand the dispute is about salary, recognition and respect.
"Surgeons perform a vital role at the hospital and it's natural that they expect to be paid a salary commensurate with their years of training and workloads."