Scotland has launched its first 'health MOTs' at four locations across the country. The Scottish Government has rolled out the new Healthy Heart and Lung Checks at leisure and community hubs, with the aim of helping with earlier detection and to "improve life chances".
What are the Health Defence Hubs?
The new MOT-style checks are being delivered at venues called Health Defence Hubs, in collaboration with Chest Heart and Stroke (CHSS) and supported by local NHS services. The checks are part of a wider action to identify those most at risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease, with the hope of preventing illness and supporting earlier intervention where needed.
The first four hubs are located in Dundee, Glasgow and Grampian, with another location to open in Ayrshire and Arran next year. First Minister John Swinney has stated that the model will be developed and extended over the next five years.
What checks are included?
The MOT-style scheme will see people take part in a range of health checks, which include blood pressure, BMI measurements, heart rate, cholesterol checks, pulse checks and a lifestyle assessment. Following the checks, people will receive advice and support based on their individual needs, which in turn should allow them to take control of their heart and lung health in a way that is "relevant, achievable, and sustainable".
Additionally, the hubs have been placed in areas to prioritise people and communities that are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes and are less likely to access traditional health services.
What has been said about the scheme?
While visiting the Dundee hub on August 20, Swinney said: "We know illnesses related to heart and lung issues affect too many families in Scotland. As our population ages and our healthcare system faces growing pressure, proactive measures to keep people healthier are more important than ever."
"These Healthy Heart and Lung Checks will not only help identify people at risk of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions at an earlier stage but will also empower people to make better, more informed decisions about their health in a way which works for them. They will also help reach people who might not otherwise come forward, particularly in more disadvantaged communities where the burden of ill health is greatest."
The CHSS states that around one in five people in Scotland are living with a chest, heart or stroke condition, with many opportunities to prevent illness missed due to late identification. CHSS' chief executive Jane-Claire Judson said: "By working in partnership with the Scottish Government, the NHS and local communities over the next five years, we have an opportunity to prevent avoidable illness, improve health and give more people a fairer chance of living longer, healthier lives. Together, we can help create the conditions for a healthier Scotland, now and for the future."
Locations of Scotland's Health Defence hubs
To book an appointment, head to the CHSS website and fill out the form under your selected hub.
- Glasgow: Maryhill Burgh Halls, G20 8YE
- Dundee: Douglas Sports Centre, DD4 8TG
- Grampian: Aberdeen City Vaccination and Wellbeing Hub, AB25 1HZ - appointments on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
- Grampian: Get Active Northfield, AB16 5TL - appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays
