A Queensland cardiologist is asking the Federal Government to support a health service that has saved at least 50 lives in rural areas.

The Australian-first cardiology “clinic on wheels” program was launched late last year and has treated more than 1,200 people so far.

The Heart of Australia program’s founder Dr Rolf Gomes said the service had also saved dozens of lives.

“Close to 50 patients with potentially life-threatening conditions have been identified and successfully treated,” he said.

“So it’s providing a very definite health benefit out in areas where these services are non-existent.”

The truck has travelled more than 60,000 kilometres in the past eight months and visited eleven towns, including Emerald, Moranbah, Dalby, Charters Towers, Charleville and Roma.

Dr Gomes has met with Federal Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash to discuss further funding for the service.

He said the clinic had shown it could … Read More »