The $26.4 million Cairns Hospital emergency department expansion will be fast tracked, with construction works now set to commence as early as September.
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the accelerated works schedule would deliver an expanded ED six months earlier than originally planned.
"We're fast tracking our expansion of the Cairns Hospital ED to tackle the growing demand for local health services," she said.
"Importantly, the existing ED will remain online throughout construction, which has been planned to ensure minimal disruption to service delivery.
"I want to acknowledge the efforts of the Member for Cairns Michal Healy, who has been such a staunch advocate for this project.
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said:
"A project manager has already been appointed and it's all systems go to kickstart construction in September.
"As a result, the expanded ED is now expected to be delivered six months ahead of schedule.
"I can't wait to see works get underway to deliver an improved ED to cater to the ever-increasing demand for emergency care in Cairns.
"This ED expansion is about strengthening the local health network to respond to the future health needs of the community."
The Cairns Hospital ED expansion will deliver:
- additional treatment and resuscitation bays;
- an additional procedure room to treat and discharge less-critical patients;
- six additional treatment spaces;
- partial refurbishment of some existing clinical areas; and
- refurbishment of the resuscitation area, waiting room and X-ray facilities.
