17/12/02
Two senior doctors are in the Kimberley this week to launch a new support and liaison service for former Agriculture Protection Board (APB) workers and their families.
Dr Richard Lugg, a public health physician from the Department of Health, and Dr Frank Daly, a clinical toxicologist from Royal Perth Hospital, will also brief local GPs about the possible health effects of herbicide exposure.
They will consult doctors in Broome and Derby today and tomorrow and conduct a video link with Kununurra doctors on Friday.
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance said the local support and liaison service would help former APB workers who were concerned about the possible health effects of spraying weeds with herbicides in the 1970s and 80s.
It is the latest response from the State Government to the Kimberley Chemical Use Review by occupational physician Dr Andrew Harper.
"The new service is primarily for former workers but family members who may have been exposed to the herbicides can also access it," Mr Chance said.
"The service will be staffed by a locally-based nurse who is specifically designated to support APB workers and their families and has direct access to specialist medical expertise in Perth.
"She will be located at the Aboriginal Health Service in Derby, but will also travel to major centres in the East and West Kimberley to ensure everyone with a concern is able to be seen."
Mr Chance said the service would give former workers an opportunity to have their concerns properly documented and help local doctors best manage health problems that might be associated with the weed spraying.
Health Minister Bob Kucera said the nurse would work with local health care services to support former APB workers, but discussions with patients would remain confidential.
"Both the nurse and local health care providers will be supported by a specialist medical review team," he said.
"The support and liaison service is being funded till the end of June 2003, with the option of an extension if necessary."
Mr Kucera said the launch of the service followed the establishment of an expert medical panel to investigate the likelihood of an association between contact with the spray and health problems among former workers.
The panel of interstate medical experts is chaired by world-renowned cancer expert University of Sydney Professor Bruce Armstrong and met for the first time last month.
The nurse's post will open on December 23. Bookings to see the nurse, Joanne Moore, are essential and can be made by ringing 9193 1090.
A helpline is also being developed and should be up and running by January. This will allow callers to contact the service at reduced call rates.
Media contacts: Agriculture Minister's office - 9213 6700/Health Minister's Office - 9213 7000
