The new lung bus is currently in Tweed Heads to provide lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring 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, Gosford, Nowra, Shellharbour, 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.
That Bus travelled more than 700,000km (more than 17 times around the world), screening more than 53,000 people, and visiting over 300 destinations across NSW.
This is one of many measures to protect workers from dust diseases, including those caused by silica and asbestos.
The Minns Labor Government has established a new Expert Taskforce to oversee and help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects
The Minns Labor 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 and led the campaign for the national ban on engineered stone which started last year.
The NSW Government is funding a team of dedicated silica safety inspectors to ensure businesses are complying with its strengthened laws.
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.
Whilst lung bus bookings are at capacity, for more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, visit the icare website.
More information on the full list of Lung Bus destinations can be found on the icare website.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
"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.
"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."
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"I welcome the $2.5 million investment into the new icare Lung Bus which will provide thousands of health checks for people living in regional NSW.
"Our regional communities remain front and centre when it comes to ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma."
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
"It's great that the icare Lung Bus is a service that comes right to our doorstep here on the North Coast so people don't have to travel to see specialists in big cities if they want to get a check-up.
"These health checks can save lives. Diagnosing and treating dust-related diseases earlier gives people the best possible chance."
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said:
"I welcome the new Lung Health Mobile Clinic to Tweed Heads.
"It's important workers who may have been exposed to dust related diseases are screened early and often.
"The new iCare Lung Bus helps provide important screening services directly to the areas where it is needed most."
Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Britt Coombe said:
"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."
