General News
11 November, 2025
Easing health bed pressure
BEDS for patients awaiting admission or discharge are to double at Cairns Hospital.
The expanded ‘transit lounge’ will provide five extra beds for patients waiting admission or discharge, freeing up critical inpatient beds for emergency care.
The hospital will have a total of 10 beds and seven treatment chairs.
The lounge is part of an $80 million investment establishing one new and six expanded transit lounges at seven of the state’s busiest hospitals.
They will provide dedicated interim treatment areas for patients awaiting discharge, admission or transfer, or for outpatient appointments and are a key part of the government’s long-term strategy to reduce ambulance ramping rates.
Member for Barron River Bree James said transit lounges were a vital link in the patient journey, ensuring emergency departments were not overwhelmed and care was provided in the right setting at the right time.
“Cairns Hospital does a tremendous job caring for people in need, but it’s no secret they are under increasing pressure,” she said. “Cairns Hospital is one of the busiest in Queensland and saw more than 87,220 emergency department patients in the past year.”
Ms James said the investment in transit lounges would be “a game-changer”.
