A free monthly case review service is now available to support doctors diagnosing complex occupational and environmental lung conditions.
A new multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting is now open to doctors, medical specialists and clinical teams across New South Wales, offering virtual access to expert support for the diagnosis and management of dust-related lung disease.
Launched in June 2025, the initiative is led by the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) in collaboration with Concord Repatriation General Hospital. It provides structured case review and practical clinical advice for clinicians managing patients with suspected or confirmed occupational and environmental lung disease.
This includes conditions such as silicosis, asbestosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), autoimmune lung disease, dust-related fibrosis and other non-malignant dust-related conditions.
Designed for all doctors and allied health professionals
Diagnosing occupational lung disease is often complex and time-consuming. Doctors are required to interpret nuanced imaging, clinical histories and lung function tests—while also assessing past exposure to airborne hazards such as respirable crystalline silica or asbestos.
Many doctors who are based outside of metro areas lack access to interstitial lung disease MDTs or occupational medicine expertise. And even while general ILD MDTs can be helpful, they rarely include the specialist knowledge needed to assess workplace exposure or guide patients through compensation and legal pathways.
The new Occupational Respiratory Disease MDT complements, rather than replaces, existing ILD MDTs. It provides expert subspecialist input and aims to improve consistency, confidence and access for all NSW clinicians and their teams —particularly those managing complex cases in isolated or under-resourced settings.
Helping clinicians navigate reporting responsibilities
The launch of the MDT follows the recent introduction of the National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry (NORDR), which became operational in May 2024. This national database was established to track cases of silicosis and other dust-related diseases in Australian workers, and physicians are now required by law to notify confirmed diagnoses of occupational respiratory disease.
The goal of the registry is to improve national surveillance, detect new and emerging risks, and identify high-risk industries and occupations. Over time, this data will support early intervention programs, prevention strategies, healthcare planning, and ethically approved research. Annual summary statistics will be published, and registry data will be shared with relevant health and safety agencies—without disclosing personal information.
For busy clinicians, particularly those working in community settings, this added responsibility can be challenging—especially when diagnosis is unclear or exposure history is incomplete. The MDT provides a structured forum for case discussion and expert input, helping physicians clarify diagnoses, determine when a case should be notified, and understand the practical steps involved in referring to the registry.
“Occupational lung disease is preventable but sadly, it is a growing crisis in Australia, and frontline health professionals need access to the best tools to support their patients,” said Kim Brislane, CEO of ADDRI. “This new MDT is about giving every doctor and allied health professional – no matter where they are in our state – access to expert advice, structured case review, and clear pathways to care.”
How to refer patient cases to the NSW Occupational Lung Disease MDT for review
The MDT is open to any NSW-based health professionals managing a patient with suspected or confirmed occupational or environmental lung disease. Participation is free of charge.
- Referring doctors must:
- Obtain informed patient consent
- Submit the case online
Be available to attend the relevant MDT session to present the case
Meeting time: The first online meeting took place on Friday 13 June 2025, and will be held on the 2nd Friday of each month from 7.30 – 8.30am.
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
To refer a case:
Add Reference Here
For enquiries:
Email: mdt@addri.org.au
Phone: (02) 9767 9859 (Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
A trusted expert panel
Each meeting brings together leading specialists in occupational respiratory medicine, radiology, occupational hygiene, physiology, pathology, nursing and support.
Confirmed panel members include:
- Professor Deborah Yates – Respiratory Physician
- Dr Elizabeth Veitch – Respiratory Physician
- Professor Catherine Jones – Radiologist
- Professor Tim Driscoll – Occupational Epidemiologist
- Kate Cole OAM – Occupational Hygienist
- A/Prof Kenneth M. Lee – Pathologist
- Jenny Coles – Silicosis Support Nurse
- Arthi Sivabalan – MDT Coordinator
Part of a coordinated national response
The MDT is part of ADDRI’s broader effort to provide practical solutions in response to Australia’s growing silicosis and occupational lung disease crisis. It complements the national Silicosis Support Hub (silicosis.org.au) offering clear, accessible information and legal guidance for patients, families and carers.
Refer a case or learn more
With the burden of occupational lung disease continuing to rise, this new state-wide service gives all NSW medical and allied health professionals a simple, trusted way to connect with expert advice.
Don’t manage complex dust disease cases alone.
Refer a patient today: Add Reference Here
Find out more about ADDRI and Occupational Dust Diseases: ADDRI
