HEART5 reaches important landmark in lung health checks

A mobile health unit that specialises in the detection of lung diseases associated with mine dust has conducted screenings for over 1,000 individuals who previously worked in mines and quarries.

The HEART5, aB-double truck loaded with the latest medical screening equipment, travels throughout regional and remote areas of Queensland, providing complimentary testing for those who qualify.

This program has been run by Heart of Australia in conjunction with Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) since February 2022.

RSHQ Executive Director of Occupational Health Dean Barr said HEART5 stated that HEART5 has significantly transformed the lives of people in regional or remote areas 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."

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