Over 1500 visitors flocked to the 2015 Preston Health Mela.
Held at the University of Central Lancashire’s Foster Building visitors were welcomed by Professor Lynne Livesey, Pro Vice-Chancellor, marking the start of an equally exciting new era of partnership between the University and the organisers, the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing associated with Rotary International.
Visitors had the opportunity to check out information and advice available from more than 70 health related stalls representing NHS, local authority. voluntary and other organisations.
Central to the day’s offerings was a comprehensive range of health checks.
They proved to be a popular attraction with over 200 individuals taking the opportunity to have a ‘Health MOT’ including checks on blood sugar, cholesterol and BMI.
Chief Guest Dr Lance Sandle, Vice-President of the Royal College of Pathologists opened the event.
The Mela received support from the Lancashire Care Foundation Trust, the North West Ambulance Trust, the Greater Preston Clinical Commissioning Group representing local GPs and local ‘health watchdog’, Healthwatch Lancashire.
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provided a number of stalls and operated a coffee shop throughout the day where visitors could meet and talk to Trust Governors.
Stuart Heys,LTHTR Chairman, said, “This event is hugely important for local health organisations, and it enables us to engage with our local community on the services we provide and to forge stronger relationships.”
Working on the principle that you can’t start too soon on the important task of developing personal responsibility for health and wellbeing, the Mela had many attractions focusing on children and young people who took part in quizzes and colouring competitions, made healthy drinks on the Smoothie Bike and met and visited an ambulance in company with North West Ambulance’s popular ‘Pandamedic’!
You can find out more about the activities of the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing by visiting the website www.nfhw.org.uk
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