How Pfizer and NHS North Tyneside used a Mobile Clinic to provide free health checks to the community
The Challenge
North Tyneside is a borough in the north-east of England with a population of about 200,000 people. The borough faces several health challenges, such as higher rates of smoking, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease than the national average.
These conditions can have a negative impact on the quality of life and well-being of the residents, as well as increase the demand and cost of health services. Therefore, there is a need to raise awareness and prevent these health problems among the population, as well as to promote healthier lifestyles and habits.
The Solution
Pfizer, a global pharmaceutical company, and NHS North Tyneside, the local health authority, decided to collaborate on a project that would offer free and accessible health checks to the residents of North Tyneside.
The project involved using RSP05, a single-decker bus that was converted into a mobile clinic with two consultation rooms. The bus was branded as the Health Bus and travelled to various locations in the borough, such as shopping centres, community centres, and workplaces.
The Mobile clinic Health Bus offered services such as smoking cessation, blood pressure measurement, and healthy eating advice. The project also aimed to link people with other health services and support groups in the area.
The Results
The Health Bus was a success, as it attracted a great number of visitors who undertook the health checks available on board the mobile clinic. The project received positive feedback from both Pfizer and NHS North Tyneside, who appreciated the opportunity to engage with the community and provide valuable health information and advice.
The project was also part of a larger strategy to improve the mental health and emotional well-being of children and young people in North Tyneside. This strategy involved creating new specialist teams for schools that would benefit thousands of pupils.
The health bus hire was part of a broader effort to enhance the health services in the borough and to improve the health outcomes of the population.
The Benefits
The Health Bus project had several benefits for both Pfizer and NHS North Tyneside, as well as for the residents of North Tyneside. Some of these benefits were:
- Increased awareness and prevention of health problems among the population
- Improved access and convenience of health checks for the residents
- Enhanced collaboration and partnership between Pfizer and NHS North Tyneside
- Strengthened reputation and trust of both organisations in the community
- Reduced burden and cost of health services in the long term
- Improved quality of life and well-being of the residents
