Andover Health Hub in the Chantry Centre opened in January 2023 and just 5 months since opening it is poised to complete its 2,000th health check.
The health hub has been offering NHS health checks to anyone aged between 40 and 74 years old with no pre-existing conditions, particularly if they have not received a health check during the pandemic. The health checks have been designed to spot early signs of kidney disease, stroke, type two diabetes, dementia and heart disease.
The former covid vaccination centre in the Chantry Centre reopened its doors as the Andover Health Hub in January, enabling residents to pop in for blood pressure and other health checks in a bid to help prevent and diagnose conditions early on and improve people’s lives in the local community.
In April 2023 the centre had an uplift, thanks to funding from Test Valley Borough Council and now has 5 consultation spaces, 2 treatment rooms, an informal meeting space from which Wessex Cancer Support and social prescribers offer drop-in sessions. Baby weighing scales and breast-feeding sofas will be installed at the centre in the coming months.
The health hub continues to offer COVID vaccinations and has delivered more than 3,500 vaccinations since the National Spring COVID vaccination programme opened. The Spring COVID vaccination programme runs from April until June 2023 for people aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes for older people, and those aged 5 years and over who have been advised that they need a spring vaccination.
Those who have still not completed their first course of COVID vaccinations (course of two vaccinations) are also eligible for a vaccination.
This large class-based space also offers groups sessions such as smoking prevention, Weight Watchers and Singing for Memory.
Dr Sarah Sierens, Andover Primary Care Network Clinical Director, said: “It is a great achievement for all the team at the health hub to reach 2,000 NHS health checks. As part of the health check, we take blood pressure, carry out a blood test, check height and weight and speak to patients about their general wellbeing and lifestyle. I urge anyone who is eligible to make an appointment.
“I am looking forward to seeing the hub develop over the next year to provide additional services for the local community and to continue to reduce the pressure on our local GP practices.”
James Moody, Head of Strategy and Innovation at Test Valley Borough Council, said: “Reaching 2,000 health checks will be brilliant and highlights why the Andover Health Hub was needed in the first place. I’m delighted Test Valley Borough Council has been able to play a role in bringing this important service to the town and I can’t wait to see its success continue to grow over the next few years.
“It’s been great to work with our NHS colleagues and the project shows the importance and effectiveness of organisations working collectively to benefit our residents.”
Ali Young, Associate Director for Health Improvement & Place in North and Mid Hampshire at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board said: “As part of the future plans for the health hub, Test Valley Borough Council and the Integrated Care Board, will work with partners to increase the range of services over time with a focus on preventing health issues and therefore reducing the number of people requiring NHS treatment.
“We look forward to working with the local community and using the health hub to engage with those who need it the most.”
The health hub has been part-funded using money Test Valley Borough Council has secured from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). A sum of £280,000 from the UKSPF will help to expand the hub over the coming years.