The Lung Bus mobile health clinic is scanning workers for dust diseases
A new $2.5 million Lung Health Mobile Clinic is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.
Launched earlier this year, it has arrived in Shellharbour to provide free lung screening checks, which can help with early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.
The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.
The icare Lung Bus is travelling the length and breadth of the state, including visits to Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Tuncurry, Spears Point, Tweed Heads, Gosford, Nowra, 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.
- 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 NSW government has established a new expert taskforce to help address silica related health risks in tunnelling projects, following revelations of rising silicosis cases in tunnelling leading up to 2023. There is now a ban in the state on engineered stone.
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.
The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be in Shellharbour today before travelling to the following destinations: Nowra: 21–22 May, Wollongong: 26–30 May, Orange: 13 June, Dubbo: 3–4 July, Broken Hill: 21–23 July, Wagga Wagga: 4–5 August, Griffith: 25–26 August, Newcastle: 29–30 September, Tamworth: 27–28 October, Newcastle: 1–5 December, Gosford: 17–19 December.
Whilst lung bus bookings are at capacity, for more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, visit: www.icare.nsw.gov.au/employers/employer-obligations/lung-screening-service
- Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to receive the latest news in the earthmoving industry
- Never miss a great deal and subscribe to our monthly magazine
- Download a free copy of our latest digital magazine to catch up on the biggest news and developments in the earthmoving industry