A new $2.5 million state-of-the-art Lung Health Mobile Clinic has been unveiled and will soon provide lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.
The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5000 workers annually in regional New South Wales, including Tamworth.
Lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.
Commencing this month, the icare Lung Bus will travel across New South Wales, including visits to Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Tuncurry, Spears Point, Tweed Heads, Gosford, Nowra, Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Bathurst, Dubbo, Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Tamworth.
The new mobile clinic features several innovations including digital chest X-ray technology, providing precise and reliable first instance imaging; enhanced spirometry – lung function – testing equipment to evaluate breathing capacity and respiratory performance; digital monitoring systems to streamline diagnostics and care; back-up power supply to ensure uninterrupted operation in remote locations; and greater accessibility and comfort, with larger clinical space designed to support both staff and clients.
The brand-new Lung Bus continues the legacy of the state’s original mobile service which served the community for nearly 16 years. The original bus travelled more than 700,000km, screening more than 53,000 people, and visiting more than 300 destinations across New South Wales.
This is the latest measure to protect workers from dust diseases, including those caused by silica and asbestos. The NSW Government is funding a team of dedicated silica safety inspectors to ensure businesses are complying with its strengthened laws.
Since September, the Silica Compliance Team has conducted 140 inspections, with more than 125 improvement notices issued and seven prohibition notices in workplaces.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said the new mobile clinic ensures workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.
“Along with enforcement of the recent ban on engineered stone, the new Lung Bus demonstrates our commitment to improve outcomes for workers exposed to hazardous dust across NSW,” she said
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty welcomed the $2.5 million investment.
“The new icare Lung Bus which will provide thousands of health checks for people living in regional NSW,” Ms Moriarty said.
“Our regional communities remain front and centre when it comes to ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma.”
More information on the full list of Lung Bus destinations can be found here: Lung Bus
For more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, visit: Lung Screening
