Queensland's North West Hospital and Health Service is lowering Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) rates in remote Indigenous communities through a partnership providing free laundry facilities.

The North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS) has teamed up with Orange Sky to offer laundry services in Mount Isa, Doomadgee, and Mornington Island as part of its Health Equity Strategy.

NWHHS Chief Executive Sean Birgan, noted the cause and impact of RHD.

"Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) is a preventable condition caused by untreated Group A streptococcal infections, often linked to environmental factors," he said.

"It disproportionately affects Indigenous Australians and remote communities.

"Left untreated, ARF can lead to severe heart valve damage, causing RHD, which can result in heart failure and stroke."

However, he said they are making progress.

"RHD cases have almost halved in the past year alone, and there's been a 57 per cent reduction since our collaboration with Orange Sky began in 2022," he added.

"We're also detecting cases earlier due to increased clinician training and greater awareness in communities.

"Over the past two years, our partnership with Orange Sky has focused on hygiene, health education, and community outreach to tackle this chronic issue."

Orange Sky's mobile trucks and trailers, equipped with washers and dryers, are positioned in areas with limited access to these services.

The initiative also serves as a platform for building trust and fostering discussions on health and wellbeing.

Orange Sky Senior Impact Manager in Remote Communities, Judith Meiklejohn, spoke to the significance of the initiative.

"This partnership is about more than just clean clothes," she said.

"Many Australians wouldn't realise that some remote communities lack consistent electricity and running water, let alone a washing machine large enough to clean blankets and bedding.

"We're ensuring residents can wash and dry their bedding, blankets, and towels, which can be particularly difficult during the wet monsoon season."

The initiative is also supported by the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, Mornington Shire Council, and North West Queensland Indigenous Catholic Social Services in Mount Isa.

"Since 2017, we've expanded from one remote laundry service to 17 facilities in 15 locations nationwide," Ms Mieklejohn said.

"Through partnerships with community-led organisations, we provide employment opportunities within remote communities, ensuring the laundry service is accessible and free for residents.

"This partnership demonstrates how innovative collaborations can drive lasting change in remote regions."

Alongside this initiative, NWHHS is focusing on early intervention through its First Nations-led Healthy Skin program.

Launched in February, the program has grown from seeing 28 patients in its first month to 450 per month.

"This program is delivered in Mount Isa, Doomadgee, Normanton, and Mornington Island," Mr Birgan said.

"It's early days, but we anticipate a reduction in ARF cases in our emergency departments."