A free lung check mobile health unit that aims to detect mine dust diseases has hit a major milestone, having screened more than 1000 former Queensland mine and quarry workers.
Dubbed ‘HEART5’, the unit is a B-double truck packed full of state-of-the-art medical screening equipment that travels around regional and remote Queensland offering free testing for eligible people.
Last month, HEART5 visited the Toowoomba region for the first time from August 26–27. The screening service includes an examination with an RSHQ-approved doctor, a chest X-ray, a lung function test by spirometry, and a CT scan if required.
The service has been operated by Heart of Australia in partnership with Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) since February 2022.
Since it launched, HEART5 has detected more than 100 cases of mine dust lung disease in former workers, and completed 52 visits to regional towns and cities.
RSHQ Executive Director of Occupational Health Dean Barr said HEART5 has been a game-changer 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,” Barr said.
“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 three years’ experience working in coal mines, mineral mines or quarries, including six months in Queensland.
Upcoming visits for HEART5:
- Townsville September 16–17
- Collinsville September 19–20
- Emerald November 18–19
- Biloela November 20–19
- Kingaroy December 19–20
Bookings are essential, call 1300 445 715 or visit the miner’s health matters website for more information.
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