A state-of-the-art mobile clinic is heading to remote WA, including the Pilbara and Kimberley, to deliver life-saving lung cancer screenings.
A new mobile health clinic, named HEART 7, has been launched by Heart of Australia, marking a significant step in extending specialist medical care to the remote areas of Western Australia. The clinic will begin its operations next week, prioritizing the Pilbara, Kimberley, and Midwest regions, where access to healthcare services is often limited.
Rolf Gomes, the founder of Heart of Australia, expressed pride in the initiative, stating, “We are incredibly proud to see the first truck of our national expansion hit the road. To date, we’ve treated almost 20,000 patients and directly saved more than 900 lives. This next phase means we can deliver health benefits across the nation – and WA is the perfect place to start.”
The HEART 7 clinic is funded by the Federal Government and will initially focus on delivering the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. There are plans for potential expansion to include additional specialist services in the future.
Access to timely healthcare is particularly vital for First Nations communities, who experience disproportionately high rates of lung cancer. According to Dawn Casey, deputy chief executive of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the program is crucial for enhancing healthcare accessibility. “We cannot afford to wait; early detection is critical. That is why this program matters. Our people must have care that is effective and culturally safe, delivered in ways that respect community and Country,” said Dr. Casey.
The HEART 7 initiative aims to make healthcare more accessible for remote populations, allowing them to receive essential screenings and treatments closer to home. This localized approach is expected to empower communities in taking control of their health and improving overall outcomes.
Dr. Casey emphasized the importance of culturally inclusive healthcare, stating, “By working together to make screening accessible and culturally inclusive, we can support our people to take control of their health and give families more precious time with their loved ones.”
As the HEART 7 mobile clinic embarks on its journey, more information about its schedule and services can be found on the Heart of Australia website. This innovative step represents a commitment to addressing healthcare disparities in rural areas and improving the health outcomes of some of the most vulnerable populations in Australia.
