Cairns Hospital
A public hospital in Queensland.
About this hospital
- State or territory
- Queensland
- Health network
- Cairns and Hinterland
- Status
- Open
- Also known as
- Cairns; Cairns Base Hospital
Waiting times by urgency category
Each tile shows one measure for all planned surgery at this hospital in one urgency category.
Your treating specialist gives you an urgency category. You do not choose it. Surgery in category 1 is recommended within 30 days, category 2 within 90 days and category 3 within 365 days.
A rank compares this hospital with the other public hospitals that published the same figure for the same period. The page shows a rank only on a current published figure. It never ranks a withheld or unreported figure. It also never ranks a figure from an earlier period.
- Median wait: Category 1, urgent
- 15 days2024–25, released 19 August 2026
Rank131st of 234 nationally
Change on the year before-1 day
- Median wait: Category 2, semi-urgent
- 83 days2024–25, released 19 August 2026
Rank219th of 245 nationally
Change on the year before-3 days
- Median wait: Category 3, non-urgent
- 354 days2024–25, released 19 August 2026
Rank229th of 246 nationally
Change on the year before-4 days
- Treated within the recommended time: Category 1, urgent
- 91%2024–25, released 19 August 2026
Rank175th of 234 nationally
Change on the year before+7 percentage points
- Treated within the recommended time: Category 2, semi-urgent
- 62%2024–25, released 19 August 2026
Rank190th of 245 nationally
Change on the year before+2 percentage points
- Treated within the recommended time: Category 3, non-urgent
- 64%2024–25, released 19 August 2026
Rank214th of 246 nationally
Change on the year before+2 percentage points
Waiting times by procedure
The shortest median wait comes first. A procedure with no published figure follows, in name order.
This table scrolls sideways on a narrow screen.
| Procedure | Median wait | Waiting more than 365 days | Patients treated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curettage and evacuation of uterus | 3 daysRank 19th of 81 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 39 surgeries |
| Carotid endarterectomy | 11 daysRank 2nd of 27 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 17 surgeries |
| Abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysm - repair/replacement | 12 daysRank 2nd of 24 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 26 surgeries |
| Mastectomy | 12 daysRank 9th of 97 nationally | 1.3%Rank 15th of 31 nationally | 78 surgeries |
| Ureteric stent - insertion of | 13 daysRank 4th of 39 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 43 surgeries |
| Colectomy/anterior resection/large bowel resection | 14 daysRank 13th of 87 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 44 surgeries |
| Breast lump - excision and/or biopsy | 18 daysRank 50th of 105 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 70 nationally | 134 surgeries |
| Fracture non-union - treatment of | 18 daysRank 42nd of 47 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 24 surgeries |
| Prostate biopsy | 20 daysRank 10th of 90 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 70 nationally | 72 surgeries |
| Skin lesion - excision of | 20 daysRank 29th of 214 nationally | 0.6%Rank 82nd of 169 nationally | 1,031 surgeries |
| Dialysis access surgery | 22 daysRank 55th of 75 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 36 nationally | 187 surgeries |
| Cone biopsy | 25 daysRank 6th of 12 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 18 surgeries |
| Hysteroscopy, dilatation and curettage | 25 daysRank 54th of 158 nationally | 1.7%Rank 100th of 121 nationally | 458 surgeries |
| Cystoscopy | 28 daysRank 59th of 131 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 118 nationally | 128 surgeries |
| Prostatectomy (transurethral or open) | 39 daysRank 26th of 103 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 64 nationally | 135 surgeries |
| Discectomy | 42 daysRank 15th of 30 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 12 surgeries |
| Large loop excision of the transformation zone cervix (LLETZ) | 42 daysRank 71st of 108 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 34 nationally | 137 surgeries |
| Parotidectomy/submandibular gland - excision of | 42 daysRank 26th of 54 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 27 surgeries |
| Adenoidectomy | 45 daysRank 5th of 70 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 23 surgeries |
| Tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) | 47 daysRank 8th of 114 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 69 nationally | 158 surgeries |
| Shoulder reconstruction | 57 daysRank 5th of 32 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 13 surgeries |
| Lithotripsy | 63 daysRank 40th of 49 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 12 surgeries |
| Cholecystectomy (open/laparoscopic) | 66 daysRank 124th of 176 nationally | 0.6%Rank 64th of 123 nationally | 160 surgeries |
| Nephrectomy | 69 daysRank 50th of 57 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 20 surgeries |
| Parathyroidectomy | 75 daysRank 16th of 47 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 16 surgeries |
| Thyroidectomy/hemi-thyroidectomy | 75 daysRank 68th of 95 nationally | 3.0%Rank 37th of 49 nationally | 67 surgeries |
| Myringoplasty/tympanoplasty | 78 daysRank 3rd of 58 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 29 surgeries |
| Nasendoscopy | 81 daysRank 4th of 14 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 2 nationally | 54 surgeries |
| Carpal tunnel release | 84 daysRank 98th of 160 nationally | 3.6%Rank 51st of 80 nationally | 111 surgeries |
| Hydrocele - repair of | 85 daysRank 17th of 52 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 11 surgeries |
| Inguinal herniotomy/herniorrhaphy | 89 daysRank 112th of 186 nationally | 5.2%Rank 82nd of 123 nationally | 134 surgeries |
| Procedure for strabismus (squint repair) | 89 daysRank 7th of 25 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 11 surgeries |
| Repair of obstructing hiatus hernia | 89 daysRank 19th of 41 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 33 surgeries |
| Cataract extraction (with or without intra-ocular lens insertion) | 90 daysRank 53rd of 132 nationally | 8.1%Rank 76th of 119 nationally | 172 surgeries |
| Arthroscopy | 92 daysRank 87th of 150 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 42 surgeries |
| Herniorrhaphy | 96 daysRank 90th of 169 nationally | 5.0%Rank 64th of 105 nationally | 100 surgeries |
| Arthroplasty - revision of | 111 daysRank 23rd of 27 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 14 surgeries |
| Laparoscopy | 111 daysRank 114th of 149 nationally | 13.8%Rank 59th of 70 nationally | 80 surgeries |
| Muscle or tendon length - change of | 113 daysRank 4th of 7 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 23 surgeries |
| Osteotomy | 114 daysRank 22nd of 49 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 28 surgeries |
| Trigger finger/thumb release | 114 daysRank 45th of 65 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 19 surgeries |
| Total hip replacement | 116 daysRank 54th of 123 nationally | 18.9%Rank 67th of 95 nationally | 111 surgeries |
| Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction | 119 daysRank 74th of 108 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 41 surgeries |
| Rotator cuff - repair of | 132 daysRank 21st of 40 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 16 surgeries |
| Salpingo-oophorectomy/oophorectomy/ovarian cystectomy | 141 daysRank 91st of 100 nationally | 1.6%Rank 16th of 27 nationally | 62 surgeries |
| Varicose veins treatment | 142 daysRank 28th of 64 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 42 surgeries |
| Acromioplasty/arthroscopy shoulder/sub acromial decompression | 145 daysRank 34th of 43 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 11 surgeries |
| Ganglion - excision of | 150 daysRank 26th of 42 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 13 surgeries |
| Arthrodesis | 154 daysRank 24th of 51 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 36 surgeries |
| Dupytren's contracture release | 155 daysRank 36th of 63 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 23 surgeries |
| Hysterectomy (abdominal/vaginal/laparoscopic) | 165 daysRank 95th of 126 nationally | 28.2%Rank 56th of 60 nationally | 78 surgeries |
| Shoulder joint replacement | 173 daysRank 45th of 89 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 24 surgeries |
| Septoplasty | 186 daysRank 23rd of 103 nationally | 1.9%Rank 9th of 47 nationally | 52 surgeries |
| Haemorrhoidectomy | 214 daysRank 101st of 109 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 10 surgeries |
| Breast prosthesis - removal of | 253 daysRank 19th of 22 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 13 surgeries |
| Total knee replacement | 352 daysRank 102nd of 128 nationally | 34.5%Rank 75th of 110 nationally | 200 surgeries |
| Female sterilisation | 361 daysRank 50th of 53 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 25 surgeries |
| Vaginal repair - anterior/posterior | 381 daysRank 61st of 66 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 37 surgeries |
| Amputation of limb | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 9 surgeries |
| Anal fissure - repair of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Axillary node dissectionEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2019–20, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2019–20, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2019–20, released 19 August 2026 |
| Bartholin's cyst - removal of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Bladder neck incision | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Blepharoplasty | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 9 surgeries |
| Branchial apparatus remnant - removal ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2021–22, released 19 August 2026 |
| Breast reconstruction | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Breast reduction | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 8 surgeries |
| Bunion (hallux valgus) - removal ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2023–24, released 19 August 2026 |
| Cervical discectomy and fusionEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | 7 surgeries2021–22, released 19 August 2026 |
| Circumcision | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 5 surgeries |
| Common peroneal nerve release | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Congenital pulmonary lesion - removal ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2021–22, released 19 August 2026 |
| Corneal graft | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Cystectomy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Dacryocystorhinostomy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Dermoid cyst - removal of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Diathermy of wart/s | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Ectropion - correction of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 7 surgeries |
| Endometrial ablationEarlier period | 46 days2018–19, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2018–19, released 19 August 2026 | 20 surgeries2018–19, released 19 August 2026 |
| Epididymal cyst - removal of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| EthmoidectomyEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2022–23, released 19 August 2026 |
| Examination of eye under anaesthesiaEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2023–24, released 19 August 2026 |
| Exostosis - excision of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 9 surgeries |
| Femoro-popliteal bypass graft | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Functional endoscopic sinus surgery | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Fundoplication | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Hammer/claw/mallet toe - correction of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| LaminectomyEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | 6 surgeries2021–22, released 19 August 2026 |
| LaryngectomyEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2023–24, released 19 August 2026 |
| Lingual or maxillary frenulum surgery | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Mastoidectomy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 7 surgeries |
| Meniscectomy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 6 surgeries |
| Microlaryngoscopy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Muscle biopsy/temporal artery biopsyEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2023–24, released 19 August 2026 |
| Myomectomy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 8 surgeries |
| MyringotomyEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2019–20, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2019–20, released 19 August 2026 | 5 surgeries2019–20, released 19 August 2026 |
| Myringotomy (without insertion of grommets)Earlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2019–20, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2019–20, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2019–20, released 19 August 2026 |
| Nasal polypectomyEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2022–23, released 19 August 2026 |
| Nerve decompression | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Nerve decompression of spinal cordEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2019–20, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2019–20, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2019–20, released 19 August 2026 |
| Orchidectomy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 7 surgeries |
| Orchidopexy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Pedicle screw fusionEarlier period | 324 days2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | 21 surgeries2021–22, released 19 August 2026 |
| Pharynx - excision of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Pilonidal sinus surgeryEarlier period | 139 days2018–19, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2018–19, released 19 August 2026 | 17 surgeries2018–19, released 19 August 2026 |
| Pressure equalising tubes (grommets) - insertion ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2019–20, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2019–20, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2019–20, released 19 August 2026 |
| Probing of naso-lacrimal duct | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Pterygium - excision of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Ptosis - repair ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2023–24, released 19 August 2026 |
| Pyeloplasty/correction of ureteropelvic junction | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Pyogenic granuloma - removal ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2023–24, released 19 August 2026 |
| Removal of intracranial lesion | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 9 surgeries |
| Replacement of aortic aneurysm with bifurcation graftEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2022–23, released 19 August 2026 |
| RhinoplastyEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2023–24, released 19 August 2026 |
| Scar revision | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 9 surgeries |
| Stapedectomy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Stone/s urinary tract - removal of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Stress incontinence surgery | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Sub-mucosal resectionEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2023–24, released 19 August 2026 |
| Tendon release | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 6 surgeries |
| Thyroglossal remnant - removal of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Toenail surgery | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Trabeculectomy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Turbinectomy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Untethering of spinal cordEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2017–18, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2017–18, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2017–18, released 19 August 2026 |
| Urethra - dilatation of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 5 surgeries |
| Vitrectomy (including buckling/cryotherapy)Earlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2017–18, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2017–18, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2017–18, released 19 August 2026 |
Waiting times by specialty
The shortest median wait comes first. A specialty with no published figure follows, in name order.
This table scrolls sideways on a narrow screen.
| Specialty | Median wait | Waiting more than 365 days | Patients treated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other surgery | 16 daysRank 30th of 79 nationally | 16.0%Rank 46th of 49 nationally | 106 surgeries |
| Vascular surgery | 16 daysRank 15th of 88 nationally | 0.3%Rank 22nd of 70 nationally | 687 surgeries |
| Plastic surgery | 21 daysRank 25th of 110 nationally | 2.1%Rank 44th of 98 nationally | 926 surgeries |
| Urology | 24 daysRank 39th of 145 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 138 nationally | 665 surgeries |
| General surgery | 28 daysRank 57th of 235 nationally | 1.1%Rank 108th of 214 nationally | 1,437 surgeries |
| Ear, nose and throat surgery | 43 daysRank 22nd of 141 nationally | 0.3%Rank 12th of 123 nationally | 596 surgeries |
| Gynaecology | 69 daysRank 152nd of 191 nationally | 8.5%Rank 140th of 159 nationally | 1,183 surgeries |
| Ophthalmology | 82 daysRank 53rd of 141 nationally | 6.8%Rank 80th of 135 nationally | 266 surgeries |
| Orthopaedic surgery | 101 daysRank 99th of 177 nationally | 13.7%Rank 114th of 162 nationally | 1,331 surgeries |
| Cardio-thoracic surgeryEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2018–19, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2018–19, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2018–19, released 19 August 2026 |
How waits have changed
Each chart shows one figure for each year the source published it. A year with no published figure is a gap in the line, and the table under the chart gives the reason.
- Category 1, urgent
- Category 2, semi-urgent
- Category 3, non-urgent
Show the figures as a table
This table scrolls sideways on a narrow screen.
| Financial year | Category 1, urgent | Category 2, semi-urgent | Category 3, non-urgent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | 15 days | 67 days | 230 days |
| 2012–13 | 15 days | 63 days | 280 days |
| 2013–14 | 13 days | 85 days | 363 days |
| 2014–15 | 9 days | 49 days | 102 days |
| 2015–16 | 9 days | 52 days | 57 days |
| 2016–17 | 9 days | 58 days | 64 days |
| 2017–18 | 10 days | 56 days | 223 days |
| 2018–19 | 12 days | 60 days | 289 days |
| 2019–20 | 15 days | 75 days | 213 days |
| 2020–21 | 16 days | 80 days | 358 days |
| 2021–22 | 14 days | 78 days | 349 days |
| 2022–23 | 15 days | 89 days | 359 days |
| 2023–24 | 16 days | 86 days | 358 days |
| 2024–25 | 15 days | 83 days | 354 days |
- Category 1, urgent
- Category 2, semi-urgent
- Category 3, non-urgent
Show the figures as a table
This table scrolls sideways on a narrow screen.
| Financial year | Category 1, urgent | Category 2, semi-urgent | Category 3, non-urgent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | 86% | 66% | 83% |
| 2012–13 | 85% | 70% | 70% |
| 2013–14 | 94% | 53% | 52% |
| 2014–15 | 99% | 96% | 95% |
| 2015–16 | 94% | 98% | 100% |
| 2016–17 | 94% | 97% | 98% |
| 2017–18 | 95% | 92% | 93% |
| 2018–19 | 95% | 91% | 95% |
| 2019–20 | 89% | 83% | 92% |
| 2020–21 | 84% | 69% | 62% |
| 2021–22 | 88% | 74% | 80% |
| 2022–23 | 88% | 58% | 65% |
| 2023–24 | 84% | 60% | 62% |
| 2024–25 | 91% | 62% | 64% |
Queensland Health quarterly figures
Queensland Health also publishes figures for Cairns Hospital each quarter. They come from a different source, so this page keeps them apart from the national figures. It does not rank them or compare them with other hospitals.
All planned surgery, July to September 2025
- Patients treated
- 1,954July to September 2025, released 28 October 2025
- Treated within the recommended time
- 81.0%July to September 2025, released 28 October 2025
- Change in patients treated on the year before
- +10.0%July to September 2025, released 28 October 2025
Hospitals nearby
These are the open public hospitals nearest Cairns Hospital, nearest first. Each distance is measured in a straight line.
- Gordonvale Hospital20 kilometres away
- Mareeba Hospital38 kilometres away
- Atherton Hospital50 kilometres away
- Babinda Hospital50 kilometres away
- Mossman Hospital66 kilometres away
- Herberton Hospital66 kilometres away
- Innisfail Hospital73 kilometres away
- Tully Hospital114 kilometres away
What this page leaves out
Private hospitals are excluded. This page covers public hospitals only, so it shows no private hospital.
Before you use these figures
Surgery Waits is not medical advice. Your general practitioner and your treating specialist can help you decide what is right for you.
In an emergency, call 000.
Where this data comes from
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Elective surgery waiting times by hospital and urgency category, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 3 October 2026
- Data released
- 19 August 2026
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, elective surgery waiting times data extract, sourced 3 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-elective-surgery-waiting-times/v/2026-10-03/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Elective surgery waiting times by hospital and intended procedure, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 20 October 2026
- Data released
- 19 August 2026
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, elective surgery waiting times data extract, sourced 19 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-elective-surgery-waiting-times-by-procedure/v/2026-10-20/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Elective surgery waiting times by hospital and surgical specialty, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 20 October 2026
- Data released
- 19 August 2026
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, elective surgery waiting times data extract, sourced 19 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-elective-surgery-waiting-times-by-specialty/v/2026-10-20/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Hospitals, Local Hospital Networks and Primary Health Networks in MyHospitals, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 3 October 2026
- Data released
- 19 August 2026
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, mapping details extract, sourced 3 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-hospitals-myhospitals/v/2026-10-03/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Reported measures and their codes in MyHospitals, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 27 October 2026
- Data released
- The publisher gives no release date for this dataset.
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, reported measures, sourced 26 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-myhospitals-reported-measures/v/2026-10-27/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Reporting unit mappings to health networks and states in MyHospitals, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 27 October 2026
- Data released
- The publisher gives no release date for this dataset.
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, reporting units, sourced 26 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-myhospitals-reporting-unit-mappings/v/2026-10-27/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Reporting unit codes and alternative names in MyHospitals, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 27 October 2026
- Data released
- The publisher gives no release date for this dataset.
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, reporting units, sourced 26 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-myhospitals-reporting-units/v/2026-10-27/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Elective surgery by urgency category and hospital, Queensland, September quarter 2025
- Publisher
- Queensland Health
- Version
- 10 December 2025
- Data released
- The publisher gives no release date for this dataset.
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Queensland Health, Queensland Government, Elective surgery, sourced 3 October 2026, https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/elective-surgery, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/qld-elective-surgery-by-category/v/2025-12-10/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Elective surgery by specialty and hospital, Queensland, September quarter 2025
- Publisher
- Queensland Health
- Version
- 10 December 2025
- Data released
- The publisher gives no release date for this dataset.
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Queensland Health, Queensland Government, Elective surgery, sourced 3 October 2026, https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/elective-surgery, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/qld-elective-surgery-by-specialty/v/2025-12-10/