People across Norfolk are being invited to ‘get on board’ and discover easy ways to improve their health as a roaming ‘health bus’ delivers check-ups across the county.

For two weeks starting 11 February 2013, a team of health professionals will be taking to the road to offer drop-in check-ups and health advice, including blood pressure, body mass index, and lung strength checks. People will also be offered healthy lifestyle information, such as how to access professional support to quit smoking and how to reduce their alcohol intake.

The bus, hosted by NHS Norfolk and Waveney in partnership with Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C), will be winding its way through many of Norfolk’s small rural  villages, as well as visiting some of the county’s biggest towns (full route below).

Lucy Macleod, interim Director of Public Health at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “Everyone has really busy lives and often our health can be put at the bottom of the priority list. The health bus is the perfect opportunity for us to bring services out to the public, in their own community, to encourage people to have a check-up and stay healthy.

“The health bus will be offering a range of health screening services to help us identify those people who may be at risk of developing diseases or illnesses in the future. By identifying any risks we can then offer advice and support to stop or slow the onset of illness.”

Anna Morgan, NCH&C’s Director of Nursing, Quality and Operations, said: “We always strive to make our services as accessible as possible and this health bus will give us a unique opportunity to visit patients closer to their homes.

“People will be able to speak to our COPD team, which supports people with a range of lung conditions, and take part in a lung strength. Our Smokefree Norfolk service will also be on hand to tell people about the support available to help them quit smoking, which can significantly improve their health.”

Norfolk and Waveney

The bus will be stopping at:

Venue                                                         Date – Time

Sainbury’s Forest Retail Park, Thetford – Monday 11 February, 9am – 5pm

ASDA, Belvedere Road, Lowestoft – Tuesday 12 February, 9am – 1pm

Lowestoft High Street, Lowestoft – Tuesday 12 February, 2pm – 5pm    

Tesco, Pasteur Road, Great Yarmouth – Wednesday 13 February, 9am – 1pm

ASDA, Acle New Road, Great Yarmouth – Wednesday 13 February, 2pm – 5pm

Heartsease Public House, Plumstead Road Norwich – Thursday 14 February, 9am – 1pm

Tesco, Blue Boar Lane, Norwich – Thursday 14 February, 2pm – 5pm

Morrisons, Albion Way, Riverside, Norwich – Friday 15 February, 9am – 5pm

North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer – Monday 18 February, 9am – 1pm

Sainsbury’s, Bacton Road, Cromer – Monday 18 February, 2pm – 5pm

Morrisons, Clipbush Lane, Fakenham – Tuesday 19 February, 9am – 1pm

East Rudham Village Green – Tuesday 19 February, 2pm – 5pm

Morrisons Bridge Street, Downham Market – Wednesday 20 February, 9am – 1pm

Swaffham, ASDA, Lynn Street – Wednesday 20 February, 2pm – 5pm

Tesco, Thetford Road, Watton – Thursday 21 February, 9am – 1pm

Morrisons Station Road, Dereham – Thursday 21 February, 2pm – 5pm

Tesco, St Faith’s Drive, Gaywood – Friday 22 February, 9am – 5pm

 

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