Silicosis and Black Lung Research Centre

Our friend and colleague Dr Katrina Newbigin is a leading medical expert in the diagnosis of occupational dust diseases of the lung, such as silicosis and "black lung". Katrina has been a strong advocate for patients with occupational lung diseases; she has helped create Queensland’s black lung screening program, guided the Queensland Government’s response to silicosis in stone masons, and has spoken at community forums on pneumoconiosis. In addition, Katrina provides expert input to help other doctors best manage Australian workers affected by silicosis or black lung. She has completed landmark studies and collaborations with other national and international experts, including a detailed report of confirmed cases of coal dust disease in Queensland.

Katrina is now facing her own serious health battle but wishes to expedite her goal of establishing a not-for-profit Queensland Dust Disease Centre (QDDC) to promote excellence in research and patient-support services. This vision is to create a collaborative hub to further medical research into occupational lung diseases, such as silicosis and coal-workers' pneumoconiosis.  The QDDC will also collaborate with similar not-for-profit organisations to co-ordinate support for patients and their families affected by silicosis, absestos or black lung.

Please support Katrina by contributing towards this goal and fundraising to help make this critically important centre a reality. Money raised will go towards start-up costs, including registration as a not-for-profit charity, and development of a business plan to create an enduring and effective resource for patients with occupational lung diseases. Residual funds will be dedicated to essential medical research and supporting for those affected by pneumoconiosis.