23/10/2026
We are investing $3.6 million to boost surgical services across Atherton, Mareeba, and Innisfail hospitals. 🏥
This major expansion brings more care closer to home, meaning less travel and a better experience for Far North Queensland patients. 🏡
Local services will now include general, gynaecology, and (for the first time at our rural hospitals) orthopaedic surgery in Atherton.
Also supported by new specialist outpatient clinics, the rollout will progressively introduce more surgical activity at each hospital and create 14 new local positions including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, administrative, and support staff.
🩺 With a record of nearly 18,000 surgeries last year, this funding improves access to specialist services for our regional communities, reducing patients' need to travel to Cairns.