A MOBILE cardiac clinic has launched in Charters Towers and Hughenden, allowing remote rural patients to receive care closer to home.

The Heart of Australia program, a partnership with Arrow Energy, has increased its reach beyond southwest Queensland and is now providing care in the Towers and Hughenden as well as the central Queensland centres of Moranbah, Emerald and Barcaldine.

The expansion of the service means rural patients will no longer have to travel to Townsville or Brisbane for clinical appointments.

Cardiologist Dr Rolf Gomes said the program extended care to people who might otherwise miss out.

“People living in rural or remote areas are 44 per cent more likely to die from heart disease than their city-dwelling counterparts,” he said.

“The program means people no longer need to drive long distances to city centres for what might be a 20-minute medical consultation.”

The 25m mobile clinic is equipped with specialist diagnostic equipment and is staffed by a team of cardiologists and respiratory specialists on a rotating roster.

Arrow Energy Bowen operations general manager Steve Findlay welcomed the service’s northwards expansion.

“I know first-hand how difficult it can be to access health services when you live in regional areas,” Mr Findlay said.

“Not only will it provide care to those most at need, but it will raise further awareness about the importance to take time out to be tested, to look for early warning signs and to take care of your heart.”

The mobile clinic will visit Hughenden on March 28 and 29, and Charters Towers on March 30 and 31.

Patients need a referral from a GP before undergoing a Heart of Australia consultation.