McMillan Welcomes Universal Health Checks

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s universal health checks for Scots 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.

Mr. McMillan 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 health prevention.

"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 certain areas of high deprivation, will now be extended to cover all of Scotland's poorest communities from 2012.

"We know Inverclyde falls into these categories so anything that can be done to lower people’s risk of developing health threats such as diabetes and heart disease should be welcomed".