Tender issued for new Cairns Hospital mental health unit

Queensland Health is now calling for tenders to build a new mental health unit as part of the ongoing expansion of Cairns Hospital.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the Palaszczuk Government is committing $70 million to create the new mental health unit, amid increasing demand for local mental health services.

“This new facility represents $70 million worth of investment and marks an important upgrade of local acute mental health services,” the Minister said.

“While the tender process and construction is underway, patients will continue to receive the mental health care they need in the existing Cairns Hospital.

“Patients and carers have provided input into the design of the new mental health facility which will provide a modern and therapeutic environment to help the recovery of mental health patients.

“We’re continuing to invest in additional services to hospital in Cairns, including a refurbishment to the existing ED.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said:

“This was a commitment the Palaszczuk Government made to the people of Cairns and I’m very happy to see this important project move forward.

“The $70 million project will result in the construction of a new Mental Health Unit at the southern end of Cairns Hospital. 

"It will provide acute mental health care for people of Far North Queensland as well as supporting the local construction industry during the building process.

“This is just part of the ongoing investment into our city’s health infrastructure with the details of the expansion of our Emergency Department and other health infrastructure developments to come.”

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008