HEART5 hits major milestone for lung checks
A mobile health unit that detects mine dust lung diseases has screened more than 1000 former mine and quarry workers.
HEART5 is a B-double truck packed full of state-of-the-art medical screening equipment and travels around regional and remote Queensland offering free testing for eligible people.
The service has been operated by Heart of Australia in partnership with Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) since February 2022.
Since 2022 HEART5 has:
- assessed more than 1000 former workers
- detected more than 100 cases of mine dust lung disease in former workers
- completed 52 visits to regional towns and cities.
RSHQ Executive Director of Occupational Health Dean Barr said HEART5 has been a gamechanger for those living in regional or remote parts of Queensland.
"We know people outside of our city centres don't always have the same access to medical screening and that's why we helped develop HEART5," said Mr Barr.
"We've been able to bring the technology to them, so they can access high quality free lung checks.
"Having a diagnosis means affected workers can access treatment and in some cases compensation."
Free checks are available to former Queensland mine and quarry workers with at least 3 years' experience working in coal mines, mineral mines or quarries, including 6 months in Queensland.
Upcoming visits for HEART5:
- Townsville 16th-17th September
- Collinsville 19th-20th September
- Emerald 18th-19th November
- Biloela 20th-21st November
- Kingaroy 19th-20th December
N.B. Bookings are essential for this service. RSHQ kindly asks that media promote the following line when writing stories: "Call 1300 445 715 to book" or link to this website: Contact | Miners' health matters (rshq.qld.gov.au)
ENDS
Media contact
Amy McCann
0457 094 250
Last updated: 05 Sep 2024