Heart of Australia and Resources Safety and Health Queensland are bringing the HEART5 Mobile Health Unit to the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter on 11-12 June. Photo: Supplied.
Former Queensland mine and quarry workers will have an opportunity to access a free lung check when the HEART5 Mobile Health Unit rolls into Weipa on 11-12 June.
The service is operated by Heart of Australia in partnership with Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).
RSHQ’s director of the health surveillance unit, Evan Pengelly, said HEART5 travelled across the state to provide free lung checks for eligible former workers.
“The tests are important because mine dust lung diseases can take 10 years or more to develop, and even longer to produce noticeable symptoms,” he said.
“While no one wants to test positive to lung disease, early detection means access to support and treatment sooner, which can slow disease progression and maintain quality of life.”
The unmissable B-double medical truck was built specifically to travel into regional and remote parts of the state like Cape York to provide former mine and quarry workers with access to the best respiratory health services available.
Onboard is state-of-the-art medical equipment operated by skilled medical staff who provide examination, chest X-ray and spirometry services, along with access to the world’s first battery-powered CT scanner if required.
Since its maiden trip in February 2022, HEART5 has provided lung health checks for almost 1,000 former workers and has clocked up over 90,000 kilometres around Queensland in the process.
Checks are free for those who no longer work in the industry, have three or more years’ experience in coal mines, mineral mines or quarries, including six months in Queensland.
If former workers cannot visit HEART5, other options to get a free lung check can be discussed.
HEART5 will be parked at the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter during its western Cape York visit next month.
Bookings are essential and can be made by calling the Mine Dust Health Support Service on 1300 445 715.
The HEART5 B-double offers examination, chest X-ray and spirometry services, along with access to the world’s first battery-powered CT scanner. Photo: Supplied.
