PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has promised to work with the State Government to improve Cairns health services but stopped short of committing to a new hospital.

Responding to a community campaign launched by The Cairns Post for a new facility, Mr Rudd said he was waiting on the release of the clinical services plan and master plan for the region being prepared by consultants for Queensland Health.

The plans should be released winin a month.

In a brief statement, Mr Rudd said his Government would work with the Queensland Government to support the health needs of the Cairns community and surrounding areas to improve the health system "after 11 years of neglect by the previous Liberal Government".

Labor Member for Leichhardt Jim Turnour has previously stated his support for a new hospital while federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson this week joined thousands of residents who have signed petitions in declaring it was time for action.

Also yesterday, Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said she was not surprised by the outpouring of public support since The Cairns Post launched its campaign on February 9.

"I am not surprised by the tremendous interest shown by the people of Cairns and the region regarding the future of Cairns Base Hospital," said Ms Boyle, who last week revealed she believed two new hospitals must be built.

"With them, I am looking forward to the release of the service and master planning studies which I understand are being finalised."

Ms Boyle declined to comment on how her ministerial colleagues were reacting to the campaign or whether she had spoken to Premier Anna Bligh about the need for a new hospital.

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