John Swinney is set to launch heart and lung MOT-style checks to prevent illness and support earlier intervention.
The newly announced healthy heart and lung checks will see people take part in a range of tests – including blood pressure and BMI measurements, heart rate, cholesterol and pulse checks and a lifestyle assessment.
People will then receive advice and support based on their individual needs.
Five-year partnership with CHSS
The programme will be delivered through a new five-year strategic partnership and Scottish Government investment with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), and it will be supported by local NHS services.
The health checks are part of wider action to identify those most at risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease.
“We know illnesses related to heart and lung issues affect too many families in Scotland,” Mr Swinney said.
“As our population ages and our healthcare system faces growing pressure, proactive measures to keep people healthier are more important than ever.”
He continued: “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.”
Initial rollout in Tayside, Glasgow and Grampian
The health checks will initially be available to people in Tayside, Glasgow and Grampian.
The Scottish Government and CHSS will work together over five years to develop and extend the model.
“Around one in five people in Scotland are living with a chest, heart or stroke condition, and we know that too many opportunities to prevent serious illness are missed because risks are identified too late,” chief executive from CHSS Jane-Claire Judson said.
“We know that people experiencing the greatest barriers to good health are often the least likely to access traditional services. That is why this five-year partnership, with indicative funding of £3 million investment, will focus on reaching communities that experience poorer health outcomes, helping to tackle health inequalities that continue to affect too many people across Scotland.”
She added: “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.”
The First Minister will visit the Chest Heart and Stroke (CHSS) health defence hub in Dundee to mark the beginning of the strategic partnership on Thursday morning.
