Free NHS Health Checks in Southwark
Southwark residents can take advantage of free ‘NHS Health Checks’ at a number of convenient community locations over the next few weeks.
NHS Health Checks are for all UK adults between the ages of 40 and 74. They assess people’s risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes and support people to reduce or manage that risk through individually tailored advice.
This is the first stage of the roll out of NHS Health Checks across the borough with NHS Southwark starting to offer health checks in selected pharmacies and rolling them out in selected GP surgeries later this year.
Southwark has a higher rate of premature death from heart disease and stroke than the English average. To tackle this, NHS Southwark has commissioned UK charity the Blood Pressure Association to take heart health screening out onto the high street.
All Southwark residents aged 40- 74 are eligible for the ‘NHS Health Check’, 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.
There’s no need for an appointment, and in just 20 minutes residents can have their full NHS Health Check, which includes blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, diabetes and waist circumference testing.
Dr Ann-Marie Connolly, Director of Public Health at NHS Southwark, said: “We want to prevent early deaths from heart disease and stroke in our borough, and a good first step is for all those who are eligible to get a full heart health MOT. Whether they’re out shopping at Surrey Quays or passing through Peckham Town Square, residents can stop by for their free check.”
Mike Rich, Executive Director of UK charity the Blood Pressure Association, said: “Many heart problems, such as high blood pressure, are symptomless so many people don’t even know they are at risk. However, once detected, these conditions can be successfully controlled, so I hope all eligible residents will make the most of these potentially life-saving tests.”
During the coming weeks Southwark residents aged 40-74 can get screened at the following locations:
- Thursday 18 March, 10am-6pm Screening van and portable screening surgery at Time and Talents Centre, The Old Mortuary, St Mary Church Street, Rotherhithe
- Friday 19 March, 10am-6pm Screening van at Surrey Quays shopping centre, Redriff Road
- Thursday 8 April, 10am-6pm Screening van in Peckham Town Square, opposite the library
- Friday 9 April, 10am-6pm Screening van and portable screening surgery at Kingswood House, Seeley Drive, East Dulwich
- Friday 16 April, 10am-6pm Screening van and portable screening surgery at East Dulwich Community Centre, Darrell Road
Notes to editors:
- For further information or to arrange interviews or photography please contact the BPA's Press Office on 020 8772 4993/4984 or 07939 239 012, or email acureton@sgul.ac.uk
- For further information from NHS Southwark, please contact Fai Lee, Communications & Website Manager on 020 7525 3558 or email fai.Lee@southwarkpct.nhs.uk
- 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.
- The check itself involves a standard assessment based on straightforward questions and measurements. These will record basic information such as height, weight, current medication, age, family history, smoking and blood pressure. It will also include a simple blood test for cholesterol and (in some cases) glucose levels. This will be followed up with personalised advice on how to lower that risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.