Patients will be able to access more surgery at three of Far North Queensland’s rural hospitals under a multi-million-dollar expansion of surgical services.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has allocated $3.6 million to increase surgery across Atherton, Mareeba and Innisfail hospitals.
The expanded services include general surgery and gynaecology surgeries.
Additionally, orthopaedic surgery is being delivered for the first time at one of the region’s rural hospitals, to be delivered at the newly fitted out Atherton Hospital operating theatres.
As part of the expansion, specialist outpatient clinics are also being offered at each of the rural hospitals, with an orthopaedic outpatient clinic having commenced in September.
CHHHS Chief Executive Leena Singh said surgical demand had increased to record levels across the health service in recent years.
‘During the 2025-26 financial year, our health service performed nearly 18,000 procedures, which was nearly 5 per cent more than the previous year with just over half of the procedures dedicated to trauma and emergencies,’ Ms Singh said.
‘This expansion is about delivering more care closer to home for Far North Queensland communities.
‘For many patients, having surgery in their local hospital means less travel, less time away from family and support networks, and a better overall experience.’
Ms Singh said to enable the expansion, the health service would be increasing its medical, nursing, pharmaceutical, allied health, support and administrative staff at each hospital.
‘This investment will support additional workforce equivalent to approximately 14 full-time positions across our rural services,’ she said.
‘Growing our workforce is a critical part of this expansion and will ensure these hospitals are well supported to deliver additional surgical activity.
‘These new roles will strengthen our rural hospitals and support high-quality care before, during and after surgery.
‘This investment is not only about increasing procedures, but also about building capability in our rural facilities for the future.’
Jenelle Matic, CHHHS’ Chief Operating Officer, said the expansion would give more patients the option to receive appropriate surgical care in their own community.
‘Expanding the range of surgery will also create a more vibrant clinical environment for our rural teams, with a broader mix of skills and experience.’
‘This will support education and ongoing learning and give clinicians more opportunities to develop and work to their full scope of practice as local services grow.’
Planning for the expanded surgical services is underway, with additional activity to be introduced progressively across the three hospitals over the next 12 months.
Where the expanded surgical services are going:
- Adding gynaecology and general surgery
- Adding recurring, dedicated operating room sessions for orthopaedic surgery, gynaecology and general surgery
- Adding more general surgery sessions