NT Department of Health and Families Acting Chief Executive Ms Jenny Cleary today welcomed the commencement of discussions with Flinders University as the possible provider of medical and associated services for the $10 million Palmerston GP Super Clinic.

"A partnership between the NT Government and Flinders University will deliver a range of training and workforce opportunities within an integrated multi-disciplinary healthcare environment," Ms Cleary said.

"It builds on Flinders University's existing partnership with Charles Darwin University for the NT Clinical School, which from 2011 is offering a full medicine program to train 'home grown' Territorian doctors."

The Palmerston GP Super Clinic is an initiative of the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to expand health services in Palmerston and the surrounding rural area.

The GP Super Clinic would become an exciting teaching facility under a future relationship with Flinders University and Charles Darwin University (CDU) in which students would work with General Practitioners during their training, as part of Flinders' strategic partnership with CDU to advance health and health workforce development in the Territory.

The infrastructure is funded through the Federal GP Super Clinics Program.

Both the NT Government and Flinders University are committed to progressing negotiations rapidly. A wide range of stakeholders will be consulted, and their input is regarded as crucial to the success of the project. A process for engagement will be mapped out over the coming months.

The commencement of discussions comes as construction of the new, purpose-built GP Super Clinic enters its third month at the Palmerston Health Precinct, on the corner of Roystonea Avenue and Temple Terrace.

Release date: 24 December 2009