Australia to invest $951m in Cairns and Hinterland Health and Hospital Service

This includes an initial $40m (A$60m) towards the Cairns Health and Innovation Centre.

Australia is set to invest about $951m (A$1.44b) under the upcoming state budget dedicated towards the Cairns and Hinterland Health and Hospital Service (CHHHS).

One key investment includes an initial $40m (A$60m) towards the Cairns Health and Innovation Centre.

The funding will allow for master planning, design development and land acquisition to determine the optimum location near Cairns Hospital.

Preliminary designs feature workspaces for collaboration and innovation, education and exhibition areas, purpose-built spaces for clinical trials, and specialised simulation labs.

“The creation of the Cairns Health and Innovation Centre at Cairns Hospital will be a key part of developing the Cairns Health and Innovation Precinct,” Chief Executive, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Leena Singh, said.

“It will enable partnering not only with universities but also research institutions, private sector partners and communities, to ensure the best minds are applied to solving the unique health issues of Far North Queensland,” Singh added.

A$1 = $0.66