Girvan and South Carrick community health event
A community health event is being held in Girvan Community Hospital for the residents of Girvan and South Carrick from 10am until 3pm on Saturday 4 October.
The event is being organised by NHS Ayrshire & Arran, South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, South Carrick Locality Planning Partnership and the Pumping Marvellous Foundation, the UK’s largest patient-led heart failure charity.
A team of experienced health and care staff will be providing heart health and blood pressure checks and there will be the opportunity to learn how to carry out life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). There will also be functional fitness MOTs on offer and a range of health and wellbeing services and charities providing information and advice on health-related topics.
Crawford McGuffie, NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Medical Director, explains:
“This event is an opportunity for us to provide screening and health education for the community in the community. It is open to all residents of Girvan and South Carrick, and we would encourage everyone to come along – no appointment needed.
“We will be carrying out heart rhythm checks to assess for irregular heart rhythm, high blood pressure checks and, for those with certain symptoms, a simple finger prick blood test to measure a heart hormone level for new suspected heart failure. For the vast majority of people, it will provide them with reassurance that they have had a heart check-up. If any follow up is required we will arrange for that to take place and letters will be provided on the day for people to give to their GPs, if needed.”
Buses for the event are being provided on the day to and from the hospital via the surrounding villages. Details of locations and times will be distributed to local community pharmacies and GP practices.
Crawford adds: “As with any free community events, a good turnout is anticipated so please be aware that there may be a short wait to be seen for the health checks. There will be indoor seating and free tea and coffee available so you can make yourself comfortable – or you can take the opportunity to explore our health and wellbeing stalls where there will be lots of helpful information, friendly conversations, and resources to support your wellbeing.”
Stewart Marshall, Interim Head of Heath and Care Services for South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said:
“In South Ayrshire we are committed to empowering communities to start well, live well and age well. Our health event is a great opportunity to find out more about your own health and wellbeing. Prevention is a key focus of the health and social care partnership in South Ayrshire, together we can achieve the best outcomes to help our communities to thrive. I would encourage anyone interested in finding out more to join us for this free event.”