The Cairns Hospital has responded to criticism over its rate of negligence claims, saying it only shows that the emergency department is under heavy strain.

It is the highest-paying for negligence claims of any hospital outside Brisbane.

New data from the Queensland Treasury shows the Cairns Hospital has paid out about $10 million in settlements with patients over the past three financial years.

The documents show there were 14 settled claims in the district last financial year, a total of almost $3.4 million in pay-outs.

Cairns health service chair Bob Norman has told the ABC that the millions in payments show that the hospital is prepared to admit its mistakes.

Mistakes it also hopes to minimise, he said.

“Myself and the board and the hospital and health service is doing everything that we can to deliver the best possible health service in far north Queensland,” Mr Norman said.

“We've got absolutely fantastic staff working for us. They work long hours, dedicated people who are doing their absolute utmost best.

“We get more than our fair share of the complex accident cases.

“Add to that the fact that we get our fair share, more than our fair share of heart problems here and regrettably some stroke victims and it all adds up to a pretty high intense environment for our people,” he said.