Patients will be able to view the Coral Sea from a dedicated outdoor balcony, as part of a $5.6 million upgrade of cancer care facilities at Cairns Hospital.
Construction has started on the Cancer Care Hub at the hospital, funded via a partnership between Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS), and Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Through donations to the Foundation, the community has contributed $1.5 million towards the project, with the Queensland Government providing the remaining funding.
Once completed in 2026, the works will include:
- A dedicated outdoor balcony space on level 2, D Block to create a welcoming space for patients, friends, and family.
- A refurbishment of the day oncology treatment space in the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre.
- A larger pharmacy space to allow for local manufacture of chemotherapy drugs.
- A larger meeting room with upgraded technology for teleconferencing with rural and remote patients.
CHHHS Chief Executive Leena Singh said the refurbishment would improve the patient experience through innovative treatments and local access, especially as demand for cancer services continue to grow in the Far North region.
There had been a 33 per cent increase in cancer activity at the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre in the past five years.
“Cancer is the greatest cause of premature death in Far North Queensland,” Ms Singh said.
“This development will reduce the need for patients to travel for treatment, increase daily treatment capacity, and provide a more peaceful experience for inpatients.
“This project reflects our commitment to delivering patient-centred care that supports both physical and emotional well-being.”
She said the project would complement the expansion of Cairns Hospital, which will deliver 64 new overnight beds by 2027, four new operating theatres and associated beds, expanded services and a new multi-storey car park.
“It’s a busy time for construction at Cairns Hospital, so we do ask patients, visitors and our staff to please be patient while all these changes are ongoing,” Ms Singh said.
“But the wait will be well worth it, for a new, expanded hospital that can ensure the needs of our community are being met.”
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said the generosity of the Far Northern community had helped make the Cancer Care Hub project a reality.
“We are deeply grateful for the community’s ongoing support, which allows us to help enhance cancer care services locally,” Mrs Hogan said.
“This hub will provide a compassionate and modern space for patients and families during challenging times.
“The expanded pharmacy will ensure faster access to critical treatments, keeping care close to home.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this upgrade will have on our community’s health outcomes.
“The Cancer Care Hub is yet another example of the Foundation working with the community to uplift our local health services.
She thanked key donors including Joyce Swinton, Kenfrost Homes, Mills Family Foundation, Denise and Ellis Richardson, Rotary FNQ Field Days, BDO Arrow Experience.
“We also had $100,000 previously set aside from the Jetski Fundrun, Matthew Calanna, Coral Expeditions cruise, Mitchell Family’s Wheelbarrow Race, and the hundreds of smaller individual donations,” she said.
Photo: Foundation CEO Gina Hogan with CHHHS CE Leena Singh.
