The building complex has a 667-space multi-storey car park with a pedestrian overpass linking it to the rest of the hospital.

[1] In 2011, a shortage of beds for mental health patients meant some were staying for more than 100 hours in the emergency department.

In September 1884, the Queensland Government called for tenders for the construction of a new hospital for Cairns with the contract awarded in November 1883 to H. A. Leisner for £2218.

[11] On 21 August 1910 the foundation stone was laid but it was not until November 1910 that the Queensland Government had negotiated a contract with John Thomas Bulcock to build the new hospital.

[15] The central block was opened in 1999, containing the redeveloped emergency department, intensive care unit and operating theatres.