“We have engaged specialist consultants to manage the heritage and cultural aspects of this project, given the building’s historical status,” said Clare Douglas, CEO of the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.

“Detailed designs are due in early 2018, with construction due to commence mid-year and an expected completion date in mid-2019,” she said.
 

The new Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Board toured the facility last week before holding a meeting in Mossman.

The Board has elected to hold regular meetings throughout the year at rural facilities.

Deputy Chair Luckbir Singh said the approach was a way of ensuring members were getting out across the region to see and hear about the care being provided across the HHS.

“We want to be a Board with an eye to the future and part of that is getting out and meeting with people, meeting with the communities that we serve, and seeing first hand the health challenges and needs of our population,” Mr Singh said.