Prescript Recruitment is proud to partner with Cairns Hospital as it embarks on one of the most significant expansions in mental health care in regional Queensland. For doctors seeking more than just a change of scenery, this is your chance to make a tangible difference while working in a facility that’s redefining modern psychiatry.
We specialise in placing doctors into roles that matter – locum, telehealth, and permanent – with a dedicated focus on regional, rural and remote communities. If you’re a psychiatrist who wants to use your skills where they’re needed most, this is a chance to step into meaningful work with full support behind you.
The Position
Cairns Hospital’s brand-new $84.3 million mental health facility opened in early 2025. Purpose-built and future-focused, it features 53 beds including 10 in a dedicated Mental Health Intensive Care Unit (PICU). This modern, recovery-oriented space includes:
A gymnasium
Sensory modulation rooms
Art therapy and activity areas
An occupational therapy kitchen
The hospital’s mental health service is structured around five dedicated medical teams, each supported by a Registrar, RMO, and Interns. The model allows for collaborative, consistent care across inpatient and community settings.
Further investments are underway – with a 10-bed Adolescent Unit scheduled to open in 2026 and a committed plan to build a dedicated Mother-Baby Unit.
Whether you prefer community-based, inpatient, or rural outreach settings, there’s an opportunity for you here.
Dates Available
Child & Youth Community Setting
6 May – 30 May 2025
1 September – 31 December 2025
Inpatient Unit
14 April – 30 May 2025
6 May – 3 August 2025
1 September – 31 December 2025
Rural Communities – Tablelands (Atherton & Mareeba)
29 September – 10 October 2025
Rural Community – Innisfail, Tully, Mossman & Kuranda
28 April – 27 June 2025
Adult Community Setting
19 May – 30 May 2025
11 August – 12 September 2025
27 October – 31 December 2025
Adult Community – Additional Dates
6 May – 16 May 2025
20 July – 3 August 2025
Benefits Provided
Excellent Daily Rate – $2,625 per day
Predictable Schedule – Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Zero On-Call – No nights, no weekends, no after-hours
Travel Covered – Flights, accommodation, and car hire are all reimbursed
Concierge-Level Support – We take care of the details, so you can focus on care
Make a Real Difference – Contribute directly to closing the care gap in regional Queensland
What We’re Looking For
This is an ideal opportunity for psychiatrists who want to work in a region where your expertise is not just valued—it’s vital.
You’ll need:
FRANZCP
Experience in adult, inpatient, community, child & youth or rural psychiatry
A collaborative, people-first mindset
A willingness to support communities with limited mental health services
If you're someone who values both professional excellence and community impact, you'll be in the right place.
Your Next Steps
If you’re ready to take on locum work that truly matters, let’s talk.
Reach out for a confidential chat or to express your interest:
Nadine Onto
Senior Recruitment Partner
nadine@prescript.com.au
0420 641 123
At Prescript, we do more than fill rosters—we connect doctors to roles that change lives.
Prescript Recruitment – Perfectly Placed For Doctors.
“Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.”
At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.
Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.
We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.
There are three ways to contact us:
Call 1300 755 498
Email hello@prescript.com.au
Click 'Connect with Prescript'
“We’re known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”