MINISTER RELEASES PLAN FOR CAIRNS HEALTH SERVICES

Health Minister Stephen Robertson today publicly released the Cairns Base Hospital Clinical Services Plan – a blueprint for the future health service and infrastructure needs of the Cairns community.

“The Clinical Services Plan is our core commitment to meeting the health needs of the community today, as well as planning for the future,” Mr Robertson said.

“It is a forward projection of the services the Cairns community will require from now until 2021.

A draft Services Plan was released in April for feedback from community members, Health Council representatives, clinicians and other stakeholders.

“The consultation on the draft plan was very comprehensive and we have received invaluable feedback.

Mr Robertson said the Clinical Services Plan would inform the final Master Plan which details the bricks, mortar and hard infrastructure that will deliver the services.

“Existing services targeted for expansion including emergency, intensive care, medical rehabilitation, surgical, maternity and special care, mental health, and support services such as diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, interventional radiology and pathology.

“Other key issues currently being addressed include the optimal location for the establishment of radiation oncology services and consideration of options for early expansion of mental health services.

“The consultation process reiterated cancer care is a core priority for the Cairns community.

“We have committed to establishing an on-site integrated oncology care unit, including radiation oncology services, that will provide a 20 bed day oncology service.

Mr Robertson said in April 2008 the Bligh Government committed to a major redevelopment of the hospital that would increase bed capacity from 322 overnight beds to 484 by 2014.

“The Clinical Services Plan identifies the need for this increase by 2016, but the Bligh Government’s Cairns Hospital redevelopment plan means Cairns residents will have the beds contained in the Service Plan two years earlier than recommended.

“Construction is underway for a new building for clinical services being relocated from the new car park site to Cairns North Stage one.

“Planning and design has commenced for the development of Block E, incorporating expanded car park capacity.

“This building is scheduled to commence in 2009 and be completed by early 2010.

“Block D, the new clinical services building, is due to be completed in 2012 and is on schedule for construction to commence in 2010 adjacent to the existing Cairns Base Hospital.

“In addition the main section of the hospital (B Block) will be completely refurbished to provide a new home for specialist clinics and pathology services.

“To provide for future expansion, B Block will contain four vacant floors which can be activated as required as the community grows beyond 2021.

“This is in addition to the Queensland Government’s current rollout of an $11 million upgrade of the Cairns Hospital Emergency Department.

Mr Robertson said detailed planning for the redevelopment of Cairns Base Hospital had commenced with a review of the draft Master Plan and engagement of the community, staff and stakeholders.

Mr Robertson said the priority in the planning process had been on the Cairns Base Hospital.

“Planning will now move on to focus on other facilities within the Cairns Health Service District, as well as the most appropriate use of the land purchased on the south side,” he said.

Ends.

MEDIA: Kate Van Poelgeest 3234 1185