A state-of-the-art dust diseases clinic is improving access to medical screening and boosting support services for NSW workers impacted by exposure to hazardous materials including asbestos and silica.

Dominic Perrottet, NSW Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations, praised icare’s innovative multi-purpose facilities, located in new premises on Pitt St, at an official opening ceremony in late November.

“The NSW Government has provided medical screening services to employers and people impacted by exposure to hazardous dust for over 40 years,” he said.

“We are always working to identify and prevent illnesses as well as improve quality of life for workers diagnosed with a dust disease and their families.”

“It is vital they have access to timely, convenient and state-of-the-art medical care and support.”

The clinic has been designed with the latest medical technology and is fully wheelchair accessible. Its services include X-rays, full lung function testing and examinations by a medical specialist, and are free of charge.

Workers can have an appointment, diagnosis and medical certification completed quickly, allowing for determination of their claim in 10 to 30 days, compared to 30 to 180 days when completed by external providers.

“By combining three distinct lung screening services in one location, the icare Dust Diseases Clinic reduces the time customers must wait for specialist appointments and diagnoses by more than 80 per cent,” Perrottet said.

The facilities also provide options for expanded service and support. Areas have already been made available for use by community groups offering peer support services.