Families across Far North Queensland will soon benefit from a major boost to paediatric cardiology services, with the recruitment of an additional paediatric cardiologist and the support of a dedicated multidisciplinary team.
In 2024 alone, nearly 700 occasions of service in paediatric cardiology were delivered across the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS). But with a region that spans 1.5 times the size of Victoria, relying on a single paediatric cardiologist is simply no longer feasible.
I am so pleased to share a $1.45 million investment delivering a second paediatric cardiologist for Far North Queensland!
Recently I had the privilege of sitting down with Tegan Catalano, whose advocacy for her 4-year-old daughter Violet and other children with congenital heart disease has made this announcement possible.
Recruitment of a second permanent paediatric cardiologist $1.45M expansion of paediatric cardiology services Additional health professionals to support both doctors Better care and shorter wait times for childrenThe additional paediatric cardiologist will help address the rising demand caused by conditions such as rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and congenital heart disease, which are the leading drivers of paediatric cardiology cases in our region.
We are also committed to increasing access for rural and remote communities through expanded outreach clinics—ensuring no child is left behind, no matter where they live in the Far North.
