The NSW Government has unveiled its new $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is set to provide lung health checks to thousands of people across the state.
The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW. 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 the length and breadth of the state, 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 underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health,” said Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis.
“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.”
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.
- – A backup power supply to ensure uninterrupted operation in remote locations.
- – 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 first bus travelled more than 700,000km, screening more than 53,000 people, and visiting over 300 destinations across NSW.
“A lung health check could save your life. Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care,” said Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Britt Coombe.
The Government has also pledged $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust.
The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).
Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.
