Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service to purchase key land from James Cook University

The city’s bid for a full tertiary hospital has hit a key milestone, with the ink now drying on a crucial deal between two key players behind the project.

CAIRNS’ bid for a full tertiary hospital has hit a key milestone, with the ink now drying on a crucial deal between the city’s public health service and James Cook University.

The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service will buy a parcel of land, currently owned by the university, which will form the base of the first stage of the Cairns University Hospital project.

The Cairns Health and Innovation Centre will be located on the corner of Charles and Digger Streets in Cairns North.

Cairns and Hinterland HHS chief executive Tina Chinery said the building would be used for a dedicated clinical trials unit and a dry research laboratory.

“We have an outstanding reputation for our clinical research on the world stage, so having more space to expand on what we are already doing will help us attract more of this high calibre research,” she said.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Chair Clive Skarott, JCU campus director David Craig, JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Sandra Harding and CHHHS chief executive Tina Chinery. Picture: Andreas Nicola

“The key sorts of things we are looking at really focus on diseases that we see within our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”

Ms Chinery said the research would focus on a range of health issues, including tuberculosis and diabetes.

She said the new building would allow for additional capacity for clinical services within the existing Cairns Hospital footprint.

It is expected to hold an extra 60 to 70 beds.

An early artist impression of what James Cook University's Far North Queensland Health and Innovation Precinct could look like as part of the Cairns University Hospital upgrade. Picture: Supplied

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the project would deliver stronger healthcare to the region.

“CHHHS will relocate some of its research, education and training services to the new Cairns Health Innovation Centre, which will allow an expansion of the current hospital, including adding more beds to relieve pressure,” she said.

The demolition phase of existing buildings is expected to be completed by the end of March.

But there has been some pushback from business owners who say they won’t leave without a fight.

James Cook University bought the entire block bounded by Sheridan, Grove, Charles and Digger streets except three properties.

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Earlier this month, Cruising Car Rentals boss Michael Birt said he refused to leave.

So far Mr Birt said he has heard nothing more about the project and would prefer to not hear anything from the State Government.

“I am worried that one day they might say ‘time to go, bam you’re out,’” he said.

Mr Birt said he wouldn’t go out without a fight.

“When they contact me then I will see where we can go from there, legally.”

Originally published as Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service to purchase key land from James Cook University