Focus on 'Challenges for our community' at Health Mela Preston

The Mela, hosted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), was and organised by the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing (NFHW) with support from the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and the Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trusts and a wide range of voluntary and statutory organisations.

The event was formally opened by  Dr Kieran Moriarty, CBE, Consultant physician and gastroenterologist at the Royal Bolton Hospital, and alcohol lead for the British Society of Gastroenterology and Dr Chris Moulton, Consultant in emergency medicine at the Royal Bolton Hospital and Vice-president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.

Also in attendance was the Mayor of Preston, Cllr. Brian Rollo.

Professor Nigel Harrison Receives Fellowhip Award from Karen Partington, Chief Exec LTHTR

During the opening ceremony Fellowship Awards of the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing were presented to Professor Nigel Harrison, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, UCLan and Dr Lynne Livesey, Deputy Vice-chancellor, UCLan, in recognition of their outstanding support for the work of NFHW and the Preston Health Melas.

After welcoming dance performances sponsored by the Gujarat Hindu Society and Dance Syndrome, individuals and family groups were able to visit over 60 stalls. 

Each had health care professionals and volunteers on hand with the latest facts to support healthy life styles and give advice on personal and family health and wellbeing.

More than a hundred visitors took advantage of the series of health checks which form the Health MOT. 

These were undertaken by the Blood Drop team, a group of professionals volunteering from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals assisted by volunteer senior medical and associated life science students from UCLan. 

The tests included blood cholesterol, sugar and pressure levels.

Mayor of Preston, Cllr Brian Rollo enjoys a ride on the smoothie bike

Of those tested, 35, (33%), were recorded as abnormally high on one or more of the measurements taken.

All those taking part in the health MOT were offered health and lifestyle counselling and if appropriate referred to their GP for further investigation.

A ‘Breakfast Meeting’ for invited guests, focusing on a health topic of contemporary local interest is traditionally held immediately before the public event.

Dr Lynne Livesey & Prof Nigel Harrison with UCLan students and staff

Dr Kieran Moriarty CBE spoke on the theme, ‘Alcohol induced ill health, homelessness and A&E attendance - challenges for our community', presenting details of some of the most recent research in this important area and outlining potentially effective strategies for encouraging responsible alcohol consumption.

Dr Kieran Moriarty , CBE said, "The 17th Preston Health Mela was quite different from any other meeting, which I have attended in 43 years as a doctor. It was a privilege to be invited to speak. 

"The Mela was superbly organised, with a wide variety of stalls. All of the stalls were well laid out and the participants were tremendously enthusiastic and helpful. 

"The highlights for me were the library stall, where I was informed as to how I could access a wide variety of books on line and my Reiki experience, which I found very relaxing. 

"I understand that other areas have taken up the Mela concept and I would encourage others to do likewise, both from the information aspect and also for the communal spirit generated, which was so clearly in evidence at the Preston Mela’.

Dr Chris Moulton said, "Breakfast at the University of Central Lancashire on a Saturday morning is not the usual place to discuss the enormous health problems caused by alcohol in the UK but that is exactly what Dr Kieran Moriarty did. 

"The renowned alcohol lead of the British Gastroenterological Society surprised a large audience about the size and cost of these problems as well as the human suffering that they cause. 

"As Vice-President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, I already knew that cider in plastic bottles is cheaper than most designer spring waters and have spent many years in NHS A&E departments treating people with a huge variety of injuries and other health problems that result from alcohol abuse. 

"We also discussed homelessness and other social issues linked to alcoholism. Later on, we watched talented dancers, had health checks from local medical students and were able to visit a huge variety of stalls and exhibitions. 

"We even made fruit smoothies, using our own pedal-power! It was a great day but Dr Romesh Gupta, the founder of the Health Melas, wants more than just fun. He wants to change the way that we look at healthcare. 

"So just for a small start, here is what Romesh, Kieran and I would like you to consider and support.

"There should be a minimum unit price for all alcoholic drinks. This has been proven to reduce alcohol consumption by the most vulnerable people in society.

NFHW Chair, Professor Romesh Gupta, OBE said, "Today, once again, we have felt the huge force for positive change in attitudes to healthy life styles, created when our organisation works with health professionals, the voluntary sector and our colleagues in UCLan to promote community wellbeing. 

"I am so grateful to them all for the massive amount of effort and good will they all contribute to make the Health Mela such a successful event’.