Far North Queensland is set to benefit from a major health upgrade, with the practical completion of the new respiratory, rheumatology, and tuberculosis clinic at Cairns Base Hospital. This marks the latest milestone in the Crisafulli Government’s $18.5 billion Hospital Rescue Plan and the first stage of the 64-bed Cairns Hospital Expansion project.
The new clinic, purpose-built to improve patient care, will commence services before the end of the year and, for the first time, offer cardiopulmonary exercise testing, enabling clinicians to assess heart and lung function during exercise.
The newly expanded clinic provides a larger, modern, and more accessible outpatient space, including:
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More consultation rooms and treatment areas
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An expanded respiratory laboratory for advanced lung function testing
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Streamlined care for patients with respiratory, rheumatology, and tuberculosis conditions
These upgrades will make it easier for Far North Queenslanders to access specialist services closer to home, reducing the need for travel to other regions.
These new clinics give the community an early glimpse of how the Hospital Rescue Plan is transforming local healthcare. The expanded space will streamline care and allow for more efficient lung function testing, ensuring Far North Queenslanders get the specialist support they need.
The new clinics are scheduled to open on 22 December, offering more convenient appointment access for patients and their families, and marking an important step forward in delivering modern, accessible healthcare for the region.
