The Western Isles is leading the way and set to be the only place in Scotland to provide the opportunity for people attending Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Diabetes screening to get test results instantaneously through a pilot of point of care testing equipment.
The pilot is part of NHS Western Isles’ Well North Outer Hebrides Project, which aims to identify people who may be at high risk of CVD and Diabetes. The service, working in partnership with General Practices, provides universal health checks for those aged 40 to 79 years living in the Western Isles who do not already have a known diagnosis of Diabetes or CVD.
The Scottish Government Health Department recently provided funding for the purchase of specialist equipment which will allow NHS Western Isles to process blood tests at the time of the assessment - so that clients can get their results face to face. The opportunity to get test results instantaneously is unique to the Western Isles, and commenced on May 1. This will enable staff to explain the results more fully and provide more specific lifestyle advice. If the results indicate further tests are needed requiring a visit to the GP staff will be able to discuss this fully with the patient.
Well North has achieved success beyond all expectations since the project commenced in May 2008, with more than 3400 people already screened.
At each appointment, 20 minutes is spent with a Well North Nurse who carries out an assessment of:
• Personal/Family History
• Women’s Health Awareness (as appropriate)
• Men’s Health Awareness (as appropriate)
• Blood Pressure
• BMI (Height/Weight Measurements)
• Cholesterol Testing
• Diabetes risk using a specific blood test (HbA1C)
Clients also spend 10 minutes with a Well North Coordinator who offers information on lifestyle issues. This allows targeted advice regarding positive lifestyle interventions appropriate to clients’ needs.
NHS Western Isles Public Health Practitioner Sara Bartram explained: “We were previously unable to provide people with their results at the screening session as we needed to wait for the results of the blood tests before we could calculate individual CVD risk scores. People were informed of their results by letter within two to three weeks; the letter may have advised them to attend their GP for further tests which for some people can cause alarm. The new equipment will therefore make a significant difference to clients.”
She added: “A further key change to benefit clients will be that for some patients, Well North will be extending the assessment to include additional screens for COPD and CKD if indicated.”
Well North Outer Hebrides will also be working with the Comhairle’s Sport and Health section to offer targeted individuals the opportunity to take part in the ‘Well North’ Activity Programme at the Sports Centre in Stornoway.
This will comprise of four sessions with a fully qualified Fitness Instructor who has specific qualifications that allow them to deliver safe and effective physical activity programmes. They will also be able to provide general advice on how to modify daily activity levels in the most beneficial way
Sara printed out: “It is clear from many scientific studies that for most people relatively simple lifestyle changes can have a hugely significant impact on many conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease etc. The sessions will be delivered in a group setting, so clients will meet with others with similar issues and will be able to support each other to make these lifestyle changes that really can change their life!
“If you have not yet attended for a Well North Outer Hebrides health assessment, and would like more information or to make an appointment please contact Denise Maciver on 01851 706354.”
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