James Cook University has chosen Cairns-based Integrated Medical Services (IMS) to build a private hospital on its Dugurrdja medical site in the city's CBD.
IMS has won a competitive tender process to build a new state-of-the-art hospital within the health precinct, in a huge boon for healthcare, education and medical research in Far North Queensland.
The locally owned Integrated Medical Services (IMS) Group, which operates the Far North Day Hospital (FNDH), will undertake the financing, design, and construction of the new Far North Private Hospital, with a focus on supporting shared services across the precinct in conjunction with both James Cook University (JCU) and Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS).
JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs said the IMS proposal was of the highest quality and will provide outstanding outcomes for the Far North in health, education and research.
"We offer our congratulations to IMS on progressing to Preferred Proponent from a highly competitive tender process and we look forward to working with them and their team to progress this exciting project," he said.
"IMS is well-respected in the Cairns region and their proposal will deliver critical infrastructure for Far North Queensland as proud foundation partners of the Dugurrdja site.
"We wanted a proponent who would take a big-picture view of our region's future, and IMS have done exactly that, putting together an impressive proposal that will be a real game-changer to health services, research and education."
The IMS Group currently operates an integrated network of healthcare facilities in Far North Queensland, and they will relocate all current services, infrastructure and staff to the Dugurrdja precinct site, with additional local healthcare collaborators integrating on site.
IMS CEO Dr Stefan Antoniou said the collaboration in healthcare delivery, education, research and innovation is the first of its kind in Northern Australia.
"It will address critical healthcare infrastructure issues and facilitate collaboration between clinicians, researchers, educators, and students," Dr Antoniou said.
"This is a landmark collaboration, and we're delighted to have been selected as the successful proponent for a precinct that will become the epicentre of health innovation for our region.
"As the first healthcare precinct in Northern Australia we see a unique opportunity to provide contemporary models of care that are cost-effective, flexible, and meet the ongoing challenges in both the public and private healthcare sectors.
"IMS is working together with JCU and CHHHS to see the expansion of current clinical services. This will result in the local delivery of highly specialised medical and surgical treatments with less patients requiring transfer out of our region."
Co-located on the Dugurrdja site, the new Far North Private Hospital will have a strong focus on supporting collaboration between clinicians, educators, researchers, and innovators.
The Precinct and its surrounding area will offer extended hours day-care for healthcare staff, oncology treatments and extensive onsite car parking.
This proposal draws together infrastructure and services that integrate with and complement the proposed precinct components of James Cook University and Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.
IMS' state of the art facilities will add further value to the Dugurrdja site, which will also be home to JCU's Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre (CTEC), due for completion in mid-2025.
Leena Singh, Chief Executive of Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, said she was excited to see another development in what is set to be a world-class precinct.
"The proximity of this new private hospital to Cairns Hospital will create opportunities for joint research initiatives and the exchange of knowledge and expertise between medical professionals from both facilities," Ms Singh said.
"This development will not only expand the range of healthcare options available to Far North Queenslanders but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the region.
"This collaboration will enable us to continue to address the diverse healthcare needs of the community and ensure that individuals receive the highest standard of care, regardless of their medical requirements or circumstances."
