We’re growing to meet the needs of our community. The $181 million Cairns Hospital Expansion Project will deliver 64 additional beds, including two new 32-bed wards.
This is an exciting step forward for Cairns resulting in more care, closer to home. As part of this expansion, some wards and units are expanding and moving to permanent, new locations. Other services will temporarily move to new spaces so patients and staff are not impacted by construction works.
While there may be some construction noise and short-term changes, we’re doing everything we can to keep disruptions to a minimum.
Here’s what’s happening at your hospital
New Respiratory, Rheumatology and Tuberculosis Clinics
Planned opening - 22 December 2025
The new clinics are on the ground floor of the Jugarrbaajing building (Mental Health Unit) at A Block. These services are moving from B Block, Level 5, into a fresh, new space designed for better access and care.
Patient directions:
- Enter via the B Block main hospital entrance, then walk internally to A Block.
- The Esplanade entrance will open in 2027 once major works are complete.
- For directions see the map [PDF 378.05 KB].
Audiology Service
Temporary move - 5 December 2025
The Audiology Service is temporarily moving to Cairns South Health Facility from 5 December 2025 to protect delicate equipment from construction noise.
After the expansion is completed in 2027 the service will return to its current location.
New 32-bed ward
D Block, Level 6 – due to open mid-2026
Cairns will soon have a new 32-bed ward for both planned and emergency care.
Construction is underway with the ward due to open in mid-2026.
New 32-bed general medical ward
B Block, Level 5 – due to open in 2027
This new ward will care for patients from the emergency department and community. A seven-bed unit is included for patients with cognitive care needs.
Construction is due to start in 2026, with the ward planned to open in 2027.
We’re working hard to keep disruptions to a minimum while construction is underway. During this time, please allow a little extra time for appointments, as some access routes may change at short notice.
You may also notice some construction noise, which is carefully monitored and scheduled to minimise impact.
If you have any questions, please contact us at chhhs_capital_infrastructure@health.qld.gov.au.