WHITEFORD & STEVENSON WELCOME UNIVERSAL HEALTH CHECKS

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford and local MSP Stewart Stevenson have welcomed the Scottish Government’s universal health checks for people aged between 40 and 74.

The new ‘heart MOT’ will be piloted during 2011 with the new web-based self assessment ‘Life Begins at 40’ service to be rolled out across Scotland.

Through the Life Begins at 40 programme, individuals in the pilot area of the Grampian region will be asked to complete an online self assessment of their lifestyle when they turn 40. Those thought to be at risk of heart disease will be targeted and invited to attend a check by their GP. For people who do not have internet access a telephone service will also be available.

Commenting, SNP candidate Eilidh Whiteford said:

“By doing everything the health services can to identify those at risk from heart disease, diabetes and stroke as early as possible the Scottish Government is once again showing their commitment to creating a healthier Scotland.

“The new 'heart MOT' health check will also prove vital for researching ill-health prevention."

Local MSP Stewart Stevenson said:

“The checks are for all individuals aged 40-74 - not just those believed to be at risk - and will mean that professionals will be able to test the success of a general heart check-up for the first time.

“The Scottish Government will also continue to support health check programmes that target those most at risk. The Keep Well programme, which currently provides health checks in areas where there is greater health risk, will now be extended to cover all of Scotland's poorest communities from 2012."