Expanding Healthcare Capacity in Far North Queensland

The Cairns Hospital (formerly Cairns Base Hospital) has undergone a major redevelopment to meet the growing healthcare needs of Far North Queensland. Located in Cairns, the $454.6 million project significantly expanded the hospital’s capacity and enhanced its ability to deliver specialised healthcare services across the region.

Completed in stages and operational from 2015, the redevelopment increased total capacity to over 500 beds, positioning the hospital as a key regional referral centre.

Enhanced Clinical Services and Facilities

The redevelopment introduced a wide range of new and expanded services, improving access to advanced care for local and remote communities.

Key upgrades included:

• A dedicated ambulatory cancer care centre with radiation oncology services
• Expanded cardiac care facilities
• Increased surgical capacity, including day surgery services
• Enhanced intensive care unit capacity
• Expanded maternity services, including a special care nursery and low-risk birth centre
• Additional aged care and rehabilitation services
• Increased capacity for mental health services
• Upgraded pathology and diagnostic facilities

These enhancements have strengthened the hospital’s ability to deliver comprehensive, high-quality care closer to home for patients across Far North Queensland.

Strengthening a Key Regional Health Hub

As a major public hospital within Queensland’s health network, Cairns Hospital plays a critical role in servicing a geographically dispersed population, including rural and remote communities.

The redevelopment reflects a broader investment in regional healthcare infrastructure, ensuring facilities are equipped to meet increasing demand while supporting contemporary models of care.

The expanded infrastructure also enables improved clinical workflows, greater service integration and enhanced patient outcomes.

Redback Health’s Role in FF&E Planning and Delivery

Redback Health (formerly RHS) was engaged as the FF&E Consultant and Advisor for the project, working alongside APP Corporation from the schematic design phase through to commissioning.

With an FF&E spend of approximately $32 million, the project required detailed planning across a wide range of clinical and support environments.

Redback Health’s role included:

• FF&E planning and advisory from early design stages
• Development of detailed equipment specifications
• Coordination with project managers and stakeholders
• Ongoing support through procurement and commissioning phases

This involvement ensured that all clinical and non-clinical spaces were appropriately equipped to support efficient operations and high standards of patient care.

About Redback Health

Redback Health is an Australian consultancy specialising in healthcare equipment planning, specification and procurement. Learn more about their experience and approach on the About page:
https://www.redbackhealth.com.au/about/

With experience across major hospital, aged care and community health developments, Redback Health supports clients from early planning through to commissioning, delivering practical and efficient solutions tailored to each project.

Meet the team behind these projects:
https://www.redbackhealth.com.au/our-team/

If you are planning a healthcare development and require support with FF&E planning or procurement, contact the team:
https://www.redbackhealth.com.au/contact/