{
  "id": 16827927,
  "title": "NT hospital staff exposed to smell of decomposing bodies, left sick, union says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/nt-hospital-staff-exposed-to-smell-of-decomposing-bodies-left-sick",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T01:34:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-28/claims-royal-darwin-hospital-staff-exposed-to-dead-bodies-odour/107315994"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Health Services Union (HSU) has alleged that pathology staff at Royal Darwin Hospital are suffering from physical illness due to the smell of decomposing bodies emanating from the hospital's morgue. Despite numerous complaints over the years, the NT government has yet to take action. The HSU branch secretary, Billy Elrick, stated that pathology workers, including medical scientists, are situated above the aging morgue and share the same air conditioning system, leading to the spread of unpleasant odors. Some staff members reported feeling unwell, nauseous, or experiencing psychological distress as a result of the exposure. The NT government's former Labor administration had announced plans for a new morgue in 2023, but these plans have not been realized, leaving staff to contend with an outdated facility. The current morgue is under-equipped to handle bodies, particularly those in decomposed states, and lacks the necessary airflow systems to mitigate the associated risks. There have been over a dozen staff complaints to the NT government, but their attempts to address the issue have been met with inadequate measures, such as providing air fresheners and masks. NT Health Minister Steve Edgington acknowledged the problem and promised a solution, allocating $3 million from the May budget, with $1 million for a new design and $2 million for repairs and maintenance. The union has also raised concerns about mould issues at two NT Health facilities, including Casuarina Plaza and Alice Springs Hospital. Despite previous attempts to eradicate the mould at Casuarina Plaza, staff reported its return. At Alice Springs Hospital, widespread mould infestation has been an ongoing issue, affecting vulnerable patients and health workers. The HSU has threatened to apply to the Fair Work Commission if the problems persist.",
  "summary": "The Health Services Union says pathology workers are being exposed to odours from decomposing bodies at Royal Darwin Hospital, and have been offered air fresheners and masks to deal with the smell.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pathology staff at Royal Darwin Hospital exposed to decomposing bodies' smell.",
    "NT government failed to address staff complaints over years.",
    "Union threatens Fair Work Commission if issues persist."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Persistent infrastructure failures and inadequate ventilation at Royal Darwin Hospital transform a routine workplace into a health hazard, forcing medical staff to endure physical and psychological distress.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}