- An additional paediatric cardiologist will be recruited in Far North Queensland, supported by an expanded multidisciplinary team of health workers.
- In 2024, nearly 700 occasions of service for paediatric cardiology were delivered in the region.
- The Crisafulli Government's record $33.1 billion investment in health services and infrastructure includes the Cairns Hospital Expansion Project, delivering more beds, services and car parks for the region.
The Crisafulli Government's record $33.1 billion Health Budget will deliver the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) an additional paediatric cardiologist recruited to expand services and ensure families and children in the Far North receive world-class healthcare, closer to home.
The additional paediatric cardiologist will work alongside a new team of multidisciplinary health workers, including an additional clinical nurse consultant, a cardiac sonographer, psychologist, and social worker.
These additional resources come alongside the Cairns Hospital Expansion set to deliver 64 new overnight beds by 2027, 40 new overnight beds at the new surgical centre, expanded services and a new multi-storey car park.
An independent report exposed Labor's failed plan for the Cairns Hospital Expansion Project, including a $378 million cost blowout, no funding or plan to deliver the surgical centre, no funding or site for a car park and no plan to relocate the helipad.
The Crisafulli Government is working to diagnose, treat and cure Labor's Health Crisis, with the $18.5 billion fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan set to deliver much needed infrastructure for the Far North.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said an additional paediatric cardiologist and the Cairns Hospital Expansion Project was part of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to empower local clinicians.
"We are listening to our local clinicians to ensure the needs of local communities are being met through our record investment in health services and expanded and enhanced infrastructure," Minister Nicholls said.
"Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service identified a need for additional paediatric cardiology services as part of is business as usual clinical planning.
"As a result of calm and methodical planning, including with the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, an additional paediatric cardiologist supported by a multidisciplinary team will be delivered for the region."
Member for Barron River, Bree James, said recruitment would commence immediately for the new full-time paediatric cardiologist.
"This recruitment marks a significant step forward in strengthening healthcare access for Far North Queensland, with a new paediatric cardiologist and supporting team set to make a lasting difference in the community," Ms James said.
Member for Mulgrave, Terry James, said having a single paediatric cardiologist servicing the entire region - which is roughly 1.5 times the size of Victoria - was no longer feasible.
"Investing in skilled health workers means better health outcomes, particularly for our youngest patients. With a growing demand for services, this investment is warmly welcomed," Mr James said.
Member for Cook, David Kempton, said the additional paediatric cardiologist would help relieve pressure on the health system in the Far North.
"After a decade of Labor's Health Crisis, there is a shortage of paediatric cardiologists. Labor had 10 years to increase paediatric cardiologist services in Cairns but failed to do so," Mr Kempton said.
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and congenital heart disease are the major contributors to patient demand for paediatric cardiology within the CHHHS.
In 2024, nearly 700 occasions of service for paediatric cardiology were delivered at CHHHS.
CHHHS Chief Executive Leena Singh said the workforce investment was a continuation of additional investment in expanding clinical services in the Far North.
"This additional workforce will strengthen our existing paediatric cardiology treatment services, which also includes integrated complex patient support, multidisciplinary RHD clinics, and a therapeutic injection clinic for children," Ms Singh said.
"We will continue to improve access to care by increasing our outreach clinics to rural and remote parts of our vast region."
