Metro passengers are being offered on the spot health checks for people in their 40s as part of a pilot scheme by two North East councils.
North Tyneside Council and Newcastle City Council are working together with Nexus to encourage more members of the public to have their health checked for free when they turn 40, and potentially change their lifestyles for the better.
NHS Health Checks are offered in writing to all adults aged 40-74 once every five years, but figures show that in the north of England only 48.3% of adults received the check-up in 2016/2017 and councils are keen to do more.
From June 12 - 15, staff from the councils’ public health teams, HealthWORKS Newcastle, and the NUFC Foundation will be offering health checks to passersby as part of an awareness raising event at the Four Lane Ends Interchange, Longbenton.
The free assessment takes around 15 minutes and includes a blood pressure, BMI (body mass index), and cholesterol level test, a lifestyle questionnaire, and waist measurements.
The check-up is entirely confidential and results are sent directly to the participant’s GP, who will look for the early signs of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke and dementia.
If successful, the pop-up clinic could be extended to other travel hubs across Newcastle and North Tyneside.
Councillor Margaret Hall, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Health, at North Tyneside Council, said: “We all have to take slightly better care of ourselves when we reach our 40s, as we become more susceptible to age-related illnesses.
“Many conditions that affect us in later life can be prevented if they’re caught early enough, and we cannot afford to be complacent about potentially life-threatening conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
“If you’re in the 40-74 age group and without a pre-existing condition, you can expect to receive a letter from your GP or the council inviting you for a free NHS Health Check. All you need to do is make an appointment – it couldn’t be simpler!”
Councillor Jane Streather, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Housing, at Newcastle City Council said: “Identifying and preventing illness early is extremely important; the free NHS Health Checks are a key tool for doing this. Many people reach their 40s in good health, a letter from your GP inviting you for a free Health Check is nothing to worry about, it is an opportunity to look forward and prevent any age-related illnesses. I would encourage anyone who receives a Free Health Check letter to make an appointment; it’s really easy to do.”
Metro Services Director, Chris Carson, said: “A public transport hub is a great venue to hold a health check event and I hope that our customers will take the time out to drop in as part of their daily journeys. Anything that can be done to promote health and well-being is to be welcomed.”
Ashley Lowe, Health Project Coordinator for the Newcastle United Foundation, said: “The health checks we've carried out so far have been really popular. We've received great feedback from people who have used the advice we've given them to make small changes in their lifestyles that will ensure they stay healthy for as long as possible. It's quick, easy and convenient to go through us rather than your GP so I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is eligible.”
The health checks will be carried out in a room next to the cafe at the interchange and should take no more than 15 minutes.
Look out for staff from HealthWORKS Newcastle and the NUFC Foundation at Four Lane Ends Interchange on the following dates and times:
• Monday 12 June, 8am-6pm
• Tuesday 13 June, 8am-5pm
• Wednesday 14 June, 8.15am-3pm
• Thursday 15 June, 12pm-6.30pm
As well as face-to-face advice from trained staff, there will be a host of information on healthy lifestyles for people to read and take away with them.
For further information about the NHS Health Check visit: www.healthcheck.nhs.uk
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