Blackpool Health bus makes services more accessible to those in need

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals' community colleagues are supporting a project that has taken health services directly to Claremont residents, in Blackpool in the form of a health bus. Designed to make vital health interventions and advice more accessible, Claremont residents aged over 18 can drop into the bus without an appointment.

A key partner in this project is a local community-based team, Healthwatch Blackpool, which is working alongside healthcare professionals to reach out to Claremont residents. They help signpost to local services and support people in accessing the bus.

The support available from the bus includes nurses, a community matron, the community engagement team, a therapist, and health and wellbeing coaches. The healthcare team facilitates several health checks such as blood pressure, mobility assessments and spirometry tests, which measure how well your lungs are working.

The health bus is parked on Warley Road and operates every Tuesday and Thursday between 10am and 4pm.

Residents like Shannon Bromley, can get advice for free. She visited the bus for a respiratory test and commented: “I would like to say that the bus was very much a good convenient place to have my medical appointment. The environment was very professional and clean. I felt very relaxed and comfortable throughout.”

Gerard Breslin, Community Therapist, added: “So far, the bus has supported more than 60 residents in the Claremont Park ward in the North Shore area to access health services. The bus has been a great tool for bringing the community together and improving access to health and wellbeing support. I would also like to encourage anyone reading this who feels unwell to seek advice sooner rather than wait for it to become an emergency.

“You are not burdening us — and if in doubt, NHS 111 is a good starting point. Whether you’re feeling unsteady on your feet or noticing new symptoms, please don’t wait.”