Have a health check

RUNCORN residents aged over 40 soon be able to pop have general health checkups in addition to for their eyes at an opticians branch in the town Specsavers for a check-up on their general health.

Halton Borough Council’s health improvement team (HIT) has joined forces with Specsavers so free NHS health check appointments can be offered once a week in store.

A spokeswoman for the local authority said the service at the Runcorn Shopping City branch will be run by Stephen Purcell, a HIT health check officer, who will ask simple questions about lifestyle and family history, measure height and weight, monitor blood pressure and carry out blood tests in order to advise patients on health issues such as heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, and diabetes.

Those who use the service will receive personalised advice to reduce health risks such as relating to diet and physical activity, lowering blood pressure or cholesterol and how to lose weight or stop smoking.

The spokeswoman said appointments will officially begin on Thursday, November 23, and will run every Thursday between 9.30am and 3pm at the Runcorn Specsavers store, with 10 slots a week available.

Chris Graham, Runcorn Specsavers store director, said: “We believe there’s a real need for this kind of service in Runcorn and are pleased to be able to provide such a high quality, allinclusive offering to our customers.

“The Runcorn store already provides thorough and professional eye and ear care, and as we move closer to winter, now is the perfect time for people to take advantage of the extended general health services.’

Cllr Marie Wright, said: “For those aged 40-74 who haven’t already suffered from a stroke, heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease, we recommend an NHS health check every five years.

“There’s currently around 13,000 people in Halton with undiagnosed high blood pressure.

“Partnering with retailers enables us to reach more residents than just through GPs and gives people a more flexible way of accessing an NHS health check as well as other local health and wellbeing services.

“We’re pleased to work with Specsavers on this initiative and look forward to getting the service fully up and running.”

Residents can find out if they are eligible for an NHS health check by filling in a questionnaire and booking an appointment directly with the store.