Culturally sensitive new Mobile Lung Clinic
Reconciliation Action Plan Focus Area: Opportunities
Listen
Through attendance at the NSW Asbestos Coordination Committee the icare Dust Diseases team became aware of asbestos health risks for workers in the Wallaga Lakes region.
Learn
Two key insights were learnt. Firstly, there is significant health risks of asbestos exposure for Aboriginal communities, particularly those in older housing and contaminated areas. Secondly that the communities are historically distrustful of healthcare services which impacts access and utilisation.
Act
This informed the development of a culturally sensitive dust diseases lung health screening service, focusing on building community trust and accessibility, aligned with the Closing the Gap plan to reduce health disparities.
The mobile lung clinic ensured screenings to Aboriginal workers in Wallaga Lakes, addressing immediate asbestos-related health risks and establishing long-term health monitoring.
The inclusion of the new Mumbulla Creative artwork displayed on the clinic walls signifies respect for Traditional Custodians and commitment to inclusivity. Feedback from the NSW Asbestos Coordination Committee Working Group acknowledged icare's efforts in providing these screenings.
“This artwork brings me so much joy each day and makes me proud that it welcomes everyone who visits the clinic” - Linda, mobile clinic lead and radiographer.
