Minister announces new hybrid theatre for Cairns Hospital

Published Thursday, 21 June, 2018 at 11:09 AM

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services
The Honourable Steven Miles

Cairns Hospital will welcome a new $3.68 million hybrid operating theatre that will help reduce waiting times for patients needing vascular procedures.

While meeting with patients and staff at the hospital, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said expanding the operating theatres was delivering on the promises the Palaszczuk Government made to the people of Cairns at the last election.

“Unlike a traditional operating table, the new hybrid theatre will combine a vascular and cardiac imaging laboratory inside the operating space, a first for the Cairns Hospital,” said Mr Miles.     

“Everything can be done in one place, and should a patient’s condition deteriorate, the theatre gives doctors and nurses the equipment they need to manage the situation safely.

“We are combining the expertise of our Cairns Hospital staff with cutting edge vascular surgery technology to deliver the best possible care locally.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the new hybrid theatre will increase the total number of operating theatres at Cairns Hospitals from 11 to 12.

“We have seen a 15 per cent increase in patients needing vascular procedures in the Cairns and Hinterland region,” said Mr Healy.

“Reducing waiting times has been a key priority for the Palaszczuk Government and this new state-of-the-art hybrid operating theatre will streamline vascular services and increase surgical capacity at Cairns Hospital.

“This investment is in addition to the new $2.8 million cardiac catheter lab that will be built at Cairns Hospital later this year.”

The theatre will be built within the operating theatre complex in Block D of Cairns Hospital and is scheduled for completion in 2019.

ENDS

Media contact: Amy Hunter - 0423 651 484