The introduction of a new urology service at Cairns Hospital will save hundreds of Far North Queensland patients from having to travel to Brisbane for treatment.

Premier Campbell Newman said he was pleased to reintroduce the service after it was scrapped by the former Labor Government in 2002, leaving patients with limited treatment options.

“After a 10 year absence, I am pleased to say Far North Queensland residents will soon be able to receive the treatment they need, right here in Cairns,” Mr Newman said.

“Queenslanders need to be able to access specialist services, regardless of where they live, and reinstating urology treatment here in Cairns will make a big difference to the region.

“Our government has adopted a policy of putting patients at the centre of everything we do, and as a result, we are delivering better health outcomes.”

Prior to the return of this vital service, residents were treated by visiting urologists from the Mater Hospital in Brisbane, or travelled to Brisbane themselves for treatment.

The Premier said the Cairns service would be delivered by two part-time Visiting Urology specialists with a third position to commence early next year.  

“The recent appointment of the Urology specialists to the Cairns Hospital is the first step in transitioning to an independent full Urology service provided at Cairns Hospital,” Mr Newman said.

“The new urologists will handle acute care and minor procedures for the first twelve months, supported by regular visits from the Mater Urology team.”

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said returning control of hospitals to local boards had made a significant difference to health service delivery and performance.

“Under the former Labor government health disparities between metropolitan and regional and remote areas worsened over many years,” Mr Springborg said.

“The Cairns and Hinterland Health Service has made some great progress towards putting Cairns Base Hospital on the path to ‘tier one’ status through the recruitment of extra specialists, following $15 million in additional funding over four years from our Government.

“These include an interventional cardiologist, gastroenterologist, general surgeon and mental health specialists. I understand recruitment is also being finalised for another gastroenterologist, vascular surgeon, ICU specialist and plastic and reconstructive surgeon.”