Following a commitment to ending rheumatic heart disease (RHD) by 2031, North West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) are pleased to announce the launch of a mobile laundry service in Doomadgee this week.

The service has been made possible following a partnership agreement with Orange Sky and Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council.

With clean clothing and bedding essential to reducing the risks of skin infections - which left untreated can increase the risk of RHD - the mobile laundry is a critical step towards ensuring access to essential hygiene infrastructure.

North West HHS Chief Executive Sean Birgan said the partnership was valuable for supporting the Doomadgee community in a really practical way.

“If we can all work together to provide access to equipment that is otherwise difficult to obtain and maintain in a remote community like Doomadgee, then we are ensuring that our communities have the resources to manage their health and improve their well-being,” Mr Birgan said.

Mr Birgan said community operators have been trained to successfully facilitate the service and the community has been community has been widely consulted.

“We’re consulting with community at every stage to ensure the project meets the needs and requirements of its members, with a long-term vision of establishing a permanent facility, run by community”.

“We are excited to see the uptake of the service, and the short-term and long-term benefits that bring to the health of all residents in the community.”

Image: courtesy of Orange Sky Laundry