Every heartbeat matters in Far North Queensland

Heart disease remains one of the greatest health challenges facing Far North Queensland. Our region has the highest rate of cardiovascular disease in Queensland and FNQ is home to a high proportion of people living with rheumatic heart disease. First Nations communities are disproportionately affected, experiencing higher rates of cardiovascular disease and earlier onset heart disease. At the same time, our population is growing, ageing, and placing increasing demand on cardiac services. 

Yet when someone experiences ongoing chest pain or symptoms that may indicate heart disease, getting answers can take time. 

The CT Coronary Angiography Project will help change that.

Faster answers. Earlier diagnosis. Closer to home.

A dedicated cardiac CT service at Cairns Hospital will allow clinicians to investigate patients with suspected coronary artery disease more quickly and accurately. It will provide detailed images of the coronary arteries, helping doctors identify blockages and other heart conditions sooner and make informed decisions about treatment. 

For patients, that means: 

• faster answers when experiencing chest pain 
• earlier identification of coronary artery disease 
• reduced waiting times for cardiac investigations 

A need unique to our region

While CT coronary angiography services are becoming an increasingly important part of cardiac care, the demand in Far North Queensland is particularly significant. 

General referral data shows about five per cent of CT coronary angiography patients require further investigation after their scan. In Far North Queensland, that figure is significantly higher, demonstrating the greater burden of heart disease experienced in our communities. 

The addition of a CT scanner will not only support cardiac patients, but also increase overall imaging capacity across the hospital, improving access and reducing delays for many patients requiring diagnostic imaging.

A project already backed by major partners

This is a genuine partnership between the community, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation and the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service. 

The total project cost is approximately $3.7 million. Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has committed $1 million, while the Foundation has already committed more than $1 million from funds previously raised for cardiac services. The remaining funds will come from community support. 

The difference your donation will make

Your support will help deliver:

• faster diagnosis for people experiencing chest pain
• earlier detection of heart disease
• reduced waiting times for cardiac investigations
• access to advanced cardiac imaging closer to home
• improved health outcomes for Far North Queensland patients and families.

Together, we can ensure more people across Far North Queensland receive the answers they need, when they need them most.

Donate today

Support our CT Coronary Angiography project and help bring advanced cardiac imaging to our region.

Your impact

Did you know Cairns Hospital performed 182 cardioversions in 2023? That's the highest in Queensland.*
*2023 QCOR Annual Report

In 2023, Cairns and FNQ delivered 200 outreach clinics, visiting 31 sites - the most in the state - and providing 2,875 consultations to 2,324 patients, more than any other Queensland Hospital. Patients from the Cairns and Hinterland Health Service accounted for the largest proportion of patients seen (21%), followed closely by the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (18%).

The need is particularly significant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, who made up 37% of those enrolled in cardiac outreach programs in 2023. Additionally, they account for 14% of all cardiac procedures for children, a figure that has steadily grown since 2018.

Your donation to the Australian Retirement Trust Cardiac Challenge helps fund these vital outreach clinics, support advanced cardiac procedures, and ensure that every patient (regardless of location or background) receives the care they deserve.

Together, we’re creating a healthier future for Far North Queensland.