Occupational Respiratory Disease MDT

A free monthly virtual case review is now available to help doctors navigate complex occupational and environmental lung conditions

The Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI), in partnership with Concord Repatriation General Hospital, has launched a new multidisciplinary team (MDT) service to support doctors, respiratory specialists and other health professional team members across New South Wales.

This free, monthly virtual forum provides structured case reviews and expert input for doctors treating patients with suspected or confirmed occupational and environmental lung diseases—such as silicosis, asbestosis, COPD, autoimmune lung conditions, and other non-malignant dust-related diseases.

Bridging the gap for doctors across NSW

Diagnosing occupational lung disease requires integrating exposure histories, imaging and specialist testing—often without access to occupational health expertise. For clinicians outside of metro areas, these challenges are even more pronounced.

The NSW Occupational Respiratory Disease MDT is designed to complement existing interstitial lung disease MDTs. It provides focused support in identifying and managing workplace-related conditions and offers practical guidance for navigating legal and compensation pathways.

By sharing knowledge and improving access to expert advice, the MDT aims to build confidence and consistency in clinical decision-making.

Supporting physicians with new NORDR notification responsibilities

With the National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry (NORDR) now operational, doctors are legally required to notify confirmed cases of occupational respiratory disease. The MDT can help doctors determine when and how to report cases, offering advice when exposure histories are unclear or diagnoses remain uncertain.

“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.”

Who can participate and how to refer a case

Any NSW-based medical or allied health professional can attend or refer a case for MDT discussion. Participation is free, with meetings held monthly online.

Certificates of attendance will be issued to clinicians who participate in the Occupational Lung MDT meetings. Certificates will include the session date and duration and may be used as supporting documentation for Continued Professional Development (CPD), depending on individual college requirements.

Referral criteria:

• Informed patient consent is required.
• Referring physicians must attend to present their case.
• Submission is via an online referral form.

Meeting schedule: Meetings will be held on the 2nd Friday of each month from 7.30 – 8.30am.

Upcoming meeting dates: 

• No meeting in January (due to team availability and clinicians being on leave)
• February 20 (7:30–8:30 AEDT)
• March 13 (7:30–8:30 AEDT)
• April 10 (7:30–8:30 AEST)
• May 8 (7:30–8:30 AEST)
• June 12 (7:30–8:30 AEST)
• July 10 (7:30–8:30 AEST)
• August 14 (7:30–8:30 AEST)
• September 11 (7:30–8:30 AEST)
• October 9 (7:30–8:30 AEDT)
• November 13 (7:30–8:30 AEDT)
• December 11 (7:30–8:30 AEDT)

Location: Microsoft Teams (online)

Attendance or enquiries please contact: mdt@addri.org.au | (02) 9767 9859 (Tues/Wed)

A trusted panel of experts

Each meeting is supported by a panel of Australia’s leading experts in occupational lung disease:

• Professor Deborah Yates, Respiratory Physician
• Dr Elizabeth Veitch, Respiratory Physician
• Professor Catherine Jones, Radiologist
• Professor Tim Driscoll, Occupational Physician
• Kate Cole OAM, Occupational Hygienist
• A/Prof Kenneth M. Lee, Pathologist
• Jenny Coles, Silicosis Support Nurse
• Arthi Sivabalan, MDT Coordinator

A coordinated national effort to improve outcomes

This initiative is part of ADDRI’s broader response to Australia’s silicosis crisis, delivering practical solutions to support early diagnosis, prevention and care.

It complements the national Silicosis Support Hub—an evidence-based resource helping patients, families and carers navigate their diagnosis, legal rights, and support options.