Health MOTs at Wolverhampton libraries and leisure centres
City council provides health monitoring stations at libraries, community facilities and leisure centres in bid to improve health and well-being.
The easy-to-use health monitors enable residents to accurately measure their height, weight, body mass index (BMI), heart rate and blood pressure. No appointment is needed; checks are self-service, free and confidential. Results are printed out on a slip of paper that users can then take away, and if necessary share with a healthcare professional.
Photo courtesy of City of Wolverhampton Council
The Keito M8 all-in-one health monitors, such as the one shown above in Wolverhampton Central Library, also come with user-friendly audio and visual step-by-step instructions.
We recently reported on a similar initiative in Whitby, North Yorkshire, where this handy, self-service approach is taking pressure off GP and other NHS services by offering alternative provision for low level and non-clinical interventions. They also offer local people more control in keeping tabs on their own health.
In Wolverhampton, the health monitors are now available at the city’s Central, Bilston, Warstones and Wednesfield libraries. They can also be found at the Central, Aldersley, Bilston Bert-Williams and Blakenhall WV Active leisure centres, and at Bob Jones Community Hub in Blakenhall.
At some sites where appropriate, blood pressure monitors are also available for loan, so that residents can continue to monitor their health at home.
The self-service monitoring will have minimal impact on staff at these sites who will not provide clinical advice – though they can signpost residents to relevant information and advice. Of course, the city’s libraries also provide a range of self-help books related to health and well-being.
John Denley, Director of Public Health in Wolverhampton, says: ‘We want to make it as easy as possible for our residents to take control of their own health and well-being. The monitors are free to use and we hope they will encourage residents to prioritise their health. In particular, we are encouraging people to get their blood pressure checked, even if they have no apparent symptoms, as high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vascular dementia if left unchecked.’
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