- The Crisafulli Government is delivering new CT and MRI machines for a new outpatient diagnostic medical imaging clinic at the Cairns South Health Facility.
- This installation will expand access for outpatients and relieve pressure on existing imaging machines located at the hospital.
- A new mammography service is also planned for the new clinic, to improve access and continuity of much-need breast imaging services.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering easier access to health services and a fresh start for Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment with new CT and MRI machines for Far North Queensland, delivering health services when you need them.
The machines will be installed at a new diagnostic imaging clinic at the Cairns South Health Facility in Edmonton, freeing up much-needed capacity on the existing imaging machines at the Cairns Hospital for emergency cases.
CT and MRI machines are essential for diagnosing strokes, cancer, heart disease, injuries and infections.
This new clinic will also provide mammography services to improve women's access to breast imaging and cancer screening services.
The Crisafulli Government has invested $276 million to deliver new diagnostic imaging technology for 11 locations across the State, to ensure more Queenslanders can get lifesaving medical scans closer to home.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said this investment would help heal Labor's Health Crisis after years of neglect, record waitlists and pressure on frontline services.
"Increasing demand across the region has placed heavy strain on Cairns Hospital's existing CT and MRI machines," Minister Nicholls said.
"In the past two years alone, there has been a 23% increase in service demand for CT scans and a 49% increase in service demand for MRI scans across the Cairns health service. "Adding a second MRI and a third CT scanner in a new clinic offsite from the hospital will expand access for outpatients and community care, and relieve the pressure that Labor allowed to build for years at Cairns Hospital.
"The new CT scanner at Cairns South will act as a pressure-relief valve for emergency and inpatient demand - something locals have needed for a long time."
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the investment would support one of the region's fastest-growing corridors - from Gordonvale and Edmonton to the Cassowary Coast and Yarrabah.
"Providing greater and timelier, access to vital diagnostic imaging will make a real difference for locals seeking answers about their health," Mr James said.
Member for Barron River Bree James said the Hospital and Health Service was also exploring ways to strengthen women's health services, including bringing mammography in-house to reduce reliance on third-party providers.
"Women in the Far North deserve reliable access to breast screening services," Ms James said.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Leena Singh said Cairns South Health Facility was designed for future growth, making it the ideal site for a modern diagnostic imaging service and providing added resilience during emergencies such as cyclones.
"The new equipment will allow us to expand and relocate some outpatient clinics to Cairns South, reducing pressure on the hospital and increasing access for the community," Ms Singh said.
The new diagnostic imaging suite at Cairns South Health Facility is expected to open in 2027.
