‘Very effective’: Premier announces plan to build satellite hospital in Cairns

A re-elected Labor government will build a $78.3m satellite hospital in Cairns at a site yet to be determined in a bid to ease pressure on the city’s existing health services.

The ALP's candidate for Mulgrave, Richie Bates, Premier Steven Miles, Member for Cairns Michael Healy and Member for Barron River at the announcement of Labor's plans to build a satellite hospital in the region.

A re-elected Labor government will build a $78.3m satellite hospital in Cairns at a site yet to be determined in a bid to ease pressure on the city’s existing health services.

The satellite service will feature a minor injury and illness clinic and provide free treatment for patients with non-life threatening illnesses.

If built, the new facility will differ from the urgent care clinic in Edmonton and follows on from the success of seven similar healthcare facilities established in southeast Queensland, Premier Steven Miles said.

“These satellite hospitals deliver higher level services than urgent care clinics,” Mr Miles said.

“They have everything from specialist outpatient appointments, chemotherapy, dialysis, all services that you would otherwise have to visit a hospital for.

“What we did in the southeast was based on the surge in population growth that we had seen there. It’s proven very effective.

“Now that we have seen that population growth (in the Far North) and we have a model of care that we know works, it’s an appropriate time to announce this additional satellite hospital.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said improving health services in the Far North remained a key issue for voters.

“I’ve been doing a lot of door-knocking lately and the number one issue is cost of living. The number two issue is how difficult it is to get to see a doctor,” Mr Healy said.

“This announcement will make it a lot easier for people to get those medical services without some of the challenges we’re currently seeing out there.”

It is yet to be determined whether the facility would be established on Cairns’ southside or in the northern beaches.

Mr Miles promised to build another satellite hospital in Mackay last month with similar pledges expected in Townsville, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Yarrabilba and Caloundra.

Originally published as ‘Very effective’: Premier announces plan to build satellite hospital in Cairns