NHS checks to pick up silent killer will be available at the bookies in drastic new plans
HEALTH checks that can determine your risk of silent killers will be rolled out at the bookies in drastic new NHS plans.
Around a third of Brits have high blood pressure - with many not realising they live with the condition.
It doesn't have noticeable symptoms, but if it's left untreated it can lead to deadly issues such as heart attacks or strokes.
NHS England is now rolling out a 'door step' plan to help prevent some of the most common conditions.
Betting shops and sports clubs are amongst the venues that will step in to host these health checks.
It's hoped these sessions will help find underlying health issues and therefore prevent people having to receive treatment in hospitals.
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Across England, 42 care systems will bring together different teams in order to deliver preventative healthcare to the community.
Mental health practitioners will also be on hand for children who are struggling.
GP teams will able to expand their roles and specialise in issues such as eating disorders, to help those who need it most in the community.
One GP practice in Stockport has already taken its services to a betting shop in the area to deliver blood pressure checks, identifying and preventing hypertension issues before people end up in hospital.
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In Coventry, local sports clubs are also offering diabetes and weight management support sessions
NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard said these new systems could 'transform' the way people are cared for up and down the country.
"Not only will the NHS provide care when someone is unwell or has an accident but alongside our local government partners, we must also now play an increasing key role in managing peoples’ health so that we can catch more killer conditions earlier and save lives.
“Local areas are already doing this by going out into communities to spot signs and symptoms earlier in places such as sports clubs and betting shops as well as ensuring people can access community support rather than using 999 or going to A&E.
“Through these schemes, we are already making a massive difference to peoples’ lives. "
She added that the NHS will now build on this success and innovation and deliver care for patients that is fit for the future as well as "saving taxpayers’ millions of pounds each year.”
The new plan - which could save the NHS £14million a year, is set to help bring down backlogs which were caused following the coronavirus pandemic.
Experts have praised the decision, and say good health and wellbeing should be available to everyone - not such those who can afford it.
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Sarah Walter, director of the NHS Confederation’s ICS Network, said: "By bringing together system partners including the NHS, local authorities, and the voluntary sector as Integrated Care Systems we are creating much broader partnerships that will be focused on improving population health and tackling the fundamental causes of ill health, whether it be poor housing or isolation.
“Good health should not be the privilege of the rich, it should be for all, and ICS leaders are committed to addressing health inequalities and working together to improve the health of their population.”