Howard Estate health project will save lives, says Bury St Edmunds Councillor Frank Stennett
A project to tackle health inequalities on a Bury St Edmunds estate saw more than 60 people have their blood pressure checked over the last 12 months.
Last January, the Howard Estate was controversially labelled ‘the most deprived ward in West Suffolk’ in a report published by the West Suffolk Alliance (WSA), relating to the health of residents.
The WSA set a target of encouraging 86 people, who previously had high blood pressure, to have it checked.
A total of 67 residents came forward for checks and were given health advice.
Peter Wightman, WSA director, said the aim of the project was to work with the community to make health services more accessible for residents, including those with high blood pressure, reducing their risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Mr Wightman said: “This pilot, trialled in one part of Bury St Edmunds, has provided valuable insight into how our communities wish to receive their preventative healthcare services.
“We will now be working with the community to address other health issues that impact the lives of residents on the estate and to understand what additional resources they feel they need to live healthily.”
He added: “If you’re over 40 and haven’t had your blood pressure checked in a while, why not pop into your local pharmacy for a quick check, or if you would prefer to monitor your blood pressure in the comfort of your own home, you can now borrow a blood pressure monitor from your local Suffolk library.
“There are an estimated 4.2 million people with undiagnosed high blood pressure. Often there are no symptoms, but a quick test could save your life.”
Councillor Frank Stennett, who represents the Howard Estate at town and district level, said: “I can say first hand how extremely important it is that people take the time to get their blood pressure checked even if they think there is nothing wrong.
“Schemes like this one at the Howard will undoubtedly save lives.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in making this initiative happen.”
Do health issues impact your life? Do you think the estate or or village where you live needs additional healthcare resources?
Please get in touch with SuffolkNews by emailing suzanne.day@iliffemedia.co.uk
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