Convenient NHS Health Checks for Wandworths residents
Wandsworth residents aged 40-74 can start the new decade with a positive first step towards good health, as free and convenient NHS Health Checks are coming to the borough.
NHS Wandsworth is working in partnership with UK charity the Blood Pressure Association to take free cardiovascular disease screening, known as NHS Health Checks, out onto the high street, to help prevent heart attacks, stroke, diabetes and other cardiovascular problems among Wandsworth residents.
All local residents aged 40-74 are eligible for the screening, provided they haven’t already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, or have had a heart attack or stroke.
Wandsworth GPs are inviting those patients that are eligible for an NHS Health Check into their surgeries, but NHS Wandsworth is now working with the Blood Pressure Association to reach those who may have difficulty attending primary care services or who have not yet had their check, with screening vans and portable surgeries popping up in convenient locations across the borough.
There’s no need for an appointment, so shoppers and passers-by can drop in, and have a free, quick and easy ‘NHS health check’, including blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, diabetes and waist circumference testing.
Houda Al-Sharifi, Director of Public Health NHS Wandsworth, said: “We know that some residents find it difficult to attend their GP so we’re taking screening out into popular community venues to make sure everyone can easily access these free tests. I hope all eligible Wandsworth residents will stop by for their potentially life-saving check.”
Mike Rich, Executive Director of UK charity the Blood Pressure Association, said: “Many people don’t even know they’re at risk of heart attack or stroke because some heart problems, including high blood pressure, are symptomless. The good news is that once detected, these conditions can be successfully controlled – so it’s really important to get tested.”
Screenings are being conducted by trained healthcare professionals, who will advise residents what to do next if any of their readings are outside the optimal range, and will give details of local support services.
This programme is part of a national initiative which aims to provide all adults in England aged 40-74 with a vascular risk assessment every five years.
NHS Wandsworth has recently been ranked among the top 11 PCTs in the country for its early work in implementing the NHS Health Checks programme, in a report issued by Carers UK, Heart UK and the Primary Care Cardiovascular Society.
During the next few weeks residents aged 40-74 can get screened at the following locations with future dates and locations across the borough to be announced:
Thursday 14 & Friday 15 January, 10am-4pm
Screening van in car park of Asda Clapham Junction, Lavender Hill
Saturday 16 January, 10am-4pm
Screening van in car park of Sainsbury’s/Gala Bingo, Tooting High Street
Thursday 21 January, 4pm-9pm
Portable screening surgery in Tooting Grove Residence Club House, Effort Street (near St George’s Hospital main entrance)
Tuesday 26 January, 9am-11am
Portable screening surgery in St James Church (coffee and chat), Mitcham Lane, Streatham
Thursday 4 February, 4pm-9pm
Portable screening surgery in Tooting Grove Residence Club House, Effort Street (near St George’s Hospital main entrance)
Notes to editors:
- For further information or to arrange interviews or photography please contact the BPA's Press Office on 020 8772 4993/4984.
- The Blood Pressure Association is the UK’s blood pressure charity which aims to lower the nation’s blood pressure. The award-winning charity provides information and support for people with high blood pressure and raises awareness about its prevention. For more details visit www.bpassoc.org.uk or call 020 8722 4994.
- For further information from NHS Wandsworth, please contact Maria Vidal, Communications Manager on 020 8812 7609 or email maria.vidal@wpct.nhs.uk