Coalmine workers to access mobile respiratory health service
Queensland (Qld) coalmine workers could soon access a ‘health service on wheels’, designed to improve detection of pneumoconiosis (black lung), silicosis and other mine dust lung diseases. The move, announced by Qld Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony Lynham, on 16 October, is designed to supplement existing regional specialist services and would see a mobile unit “equipped, staffed and on the road in regional communities” by late 2020.
The government announced it would start accepting bids from potential providers during November 2019, with $1.21 million currently allocated for the service over two years. Member for Mackay and Assistant Minister for State Development, Julieanne Gilbert, said the mobile service would be important to “our thousands of current and retired mine workers”, meeting them where they live and work. Even with the coming service, Lynham said it remained critical that any worker with health concerns see their GP.
Additionally, Queensland coalmine workers should access free respiratory health checks when they start in the industry, leave and at least every five years while they are working, according to the government. Free health checks are also available to retired and former coalmine workers. More than 100 retired workers have applied for this service to date, the government said. All doctors and radiologists who offer health services receive specialist training and are registered, as are the X-ray imaging clinics.
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