Kenworth backs Qld heath initiative

Kenworth has donated the use of a K200 prime mover to haul a mobile clinic delivering cardiac health services to remote Qld communities

Kenworth has thrown its support behind a new Queensland health initiative that provides specialist medical services to the state's remote communities.

The Heart of Australia mobile medical clinic was launched in early October and will provide cardiac-related health services via its mobile clinic, which comprises a custom trailer built by Varley Group in Brisbane hauled by a Kenworth K200 cab-over prime mover.

The 19-metre mobile clinic has been outfitted with $500,000-worth of medical equipment and has already embarked on loop that will see it take in a number of communities in the Surat Basin, including Roma, Charleville, Dalby, Goondiwindi and St George, with further loops planned for the state's central-west and north-west regions.

The clinic boasts a reception and waiting area, several consultation rooms, a testing room and an amenities area. Wheelchair access is available via a lift.

The Heart of Australia initiative is the brainchild of 41-year-old Queensland cardiologist, Dr Rolf Gomes (pictured). Dr Gomes says cardiovascular disease has far more serious implications for those living in remote communities.

"The key problem is that so many of these communities do not have specialist cardiac health services," he said.

"That’s the reason I founded Heart of Australia – to give people in the bush access to the same services the rest of Australia takes for granted."

Dr Gomes says cardiovascular disease is Australia's leading cause of death, claiming one person every 12 minutes.

The service is expected to cover over 72,000km in its first year, and will give these communities access to vital health services. The clinic will be staffed by a nurse, a consulting cardiologist and a cardiac scientist/sonographer, while other specialists and support staff will be flown in as needed.

PACCAR Australia was quick to offer its assistance to the program, providing the use of a Kenworth K200 free of charge for 12 months. PACCAR Australia's Managing Director, Mike Dozier, said the company was thrilled to be providing its support.

"We are delighted to be contributing to this unique initiative, and we're looking forward to the possibility of a longer-term relationship," he said.

"Heart of Australia is an important medical resource which will improve life in many communities and, no doubt, save lives as well. You cannot put a price on this service, and that's why we got involved.

Dr Gomes said the clinic gives patients access to a high level of care in a prompt and efficient manner.

"Once a patient has been referred by their GP, they will be seen by a specialist who will run a series of non-invasive tests," he said.

"The results will be available immediately or usually within a few hours. This enables the specialist to make a diagnosis, have a follow-up consultation with the patient and start treatment generally within 24 hours. There’s not the delay you have when you see a specialist in the city, where the whole process could take weeks or even months. With Heart of Australia, the entire procedure occurs virtually on the spot in the patient's home town."

For more information on the services offered by the Heart of Australia initiative, visit www.heartofaustralia.com/.

Kenworth backs Qld heath initiative

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