The Queensland Government has unveiled its masterplan for the $1 billion Cairns Hospital Expansion.
The masterplan – as part of the fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan – lays out the roadmap to modernise the Cairns Hospital which promises easier access to health services, enhanced patient experiences and integrate health, education and research facilities.
“The Crisafulli Government masterplan for the Cairns Hospital sets out a clear roadmap for the next 30 years to ensure Far North Queenslanders have access to world-class healthcare close to home now and well into the future,” said Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls.
“The redevelopment of Cairns Hospital will revitalise the CBD and it will put the city on the map as the health and innovation hub for the Far North, helping us to attract and retain more skilled health workers.”
Stage 1 of the Master Plan comprises:
- a new Health Innovation and Surgical Centre, including at least 40 new beds;
- a Health Management Hub;
- a new multi-storey staff car park adjacent to existing Cairns Hospital facilities;
- a new cyclone-rated rooftop helipad on the existing Block D;
- Expansion of support services such as medical imaging, pathology, pharmacy, sterilising and kitchen.
Construction is expected to commence in late 2026, following completion of land acquisitions and approval of the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation, with Stage 1 expected to be delivered in 2031.
Future stages of the master plan propose a new acute services building connected with the Health Innovation and Surgical Centre and the current hospital, as well as refurbishment, demolition and redevelopment to some parts of the existing hospital and precinct connectivity.
“This will deliver benefits in healthcare, as well as to the local economy, driving investment and expanding our workforce along with establishing a knowledge economy within the Far North region,” said Chief Executive of Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Leena Singh.
“Modernising our infrastructure, providing the latest simulation technology and unlocking the plethora of data available to us will mean our clinicians can work with universities and other organisations to enhance research to solve some of the unique health challenges we face here in tropical Far North Queensland.”
Vice Chancellor and President of James Cook University Professor Simon Biggs said their partnership with the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service in the Cairns Health and Innovation Precinct exemplified the University’s mission to create a brighter future for life in the tropics and beyond through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.
“By working together, we are shaping the future of health for the people of Far North Queensland,” Professor Biggs said.
