A pilot scheme involving seven pharmacies across Medway will offer NHS Health Checks to residents who may be at greater risk of cardiovascular heart disease.
The one-year trial, undertaken by our Public Health team, recognises the role that pharmacies play in supporting patients with minor illnesses and providing health advice, given their accessibility to local communities.
The free service provides a health MOT for residents, which sees pharmacy staff check cholesterol levels, blood pressure, heart health, height, weight and diet. It’s available for anyone aged 40-74 years old subject to eligibility.
Hoo Pharmacy, situated on Main Road on the peninsula, is one of the pharmacies involved in the trial. Our public health team have been busy training staff to deliver the service, which was previously only available via Hoo’s local GP practice.
Friendly advisors
Harvey Dhillon, manager at Hoo Pharmacy, said: “As we get older, there is a higher risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Taking the NHS Health Check helps residents to stay on top of their health while enabling us to spot any early signs of these conditions and deal with them before they become more serious.
"We’re delighted to have been chosen for this trial and our friendly advisors are looking forward to delivering health checks throughout 2023. We encourage eligible residents to book their appointment and take advantage of this free service.”
More accessible
Cllr David Brake, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, said: “A service usually provided by GPs, Health Checks are a general review to assess a person’s individual health and assess any potential risks they may face, such as heart disease or diabetes. By moving the checks into pharmacies, it is hoped they will become more accessible to local residents, so increasing uptake and helping people to identify and minimise or prevent any potential health problems.”
Pharmacies in the trial
Pharmacies were selected following a mapping exercise to that looked out which areas might need additional support to help increase uptake of Health Checks in Medway. The full list of locations taking part in the trial is:
Hoo Pharmacy:
- Appointments can also be made by phoning 01634 253780
- The pharmacy is open Monday – Friday: 9am-6.30pm and Saturday: 9am-5.30pm
Medway Pharmacy (Gillingham)
- Appointments can also be made by phoning 01634 575 805
- The pharmacy is open from 7:30am – 10pm 7 days a week
Fenns Parkwood Ltd (Rainham)
- Appointments can also be made by phoning 01634 235 880
- Opening times: Monday: 9am – 5.30pm, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday: 9am – 5.30pm, Friday: 9am – 6pm, Saturday: 9am – 4pm, Sunday: Closed
Merlin Pharmacy (Walderslade)
- Appointments can also be made by phoning 01634 861683
- Opening times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm and 2pm – 6pm. Saturday: 9am – 12:30pm. Sunday: Closed
Paydens Pharmacy (Chatham)
- Appointments can also be made by phoning 01634 404142
- Opening times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 6.30pm. Saturday: 9am – 1pm. Sunday: Closed
Paydens Pharmacy (Rochester)
- Appointments can also be made by phoning 01634 842089
- Opening times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm. Saturday: 9am – 1pm. Sunday: Closed
Bryant Road Pharmacy (Strood)
- Appointments can also be made by phoning 01634 718039
- Opening times: Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm. Saturday: 9am – 1pm. Sunday: Closed
You can find more details and book an appointment with a local pharmacy on our health check page.