New health hub 'a godsend', say patients

A health hub that has had 20,000 visitors in its first year has been hailed a "godsend" by users.

Unit 33 in Friars Square Shopping Centre, Aylesbury, is part of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust's Health on the High Street initiative.

It offers services and advice, including blood pressure monitoring, speech and language therapy, dementia advice, breastfeeding support and veterans' support.

Gemma Thomas, director of strategic delivery at the trust, said: "In the first year 20,000 people accessed the unit... we are supporting people with babies and young children with their families, right through to elderly people."

First-time parents Jade and Matt have been able to use the service for themselves and their daughter.

"We don't have to battle to see a GP," said Jade, who works for a charity.

"It made a big, big difference. As a first-time mum you have concerns... you know you can just come in on a Tuesday and you have that advice here on hand."

Matt, a police officer, thinks the hub could have the potential to change men's health perceptions.

"For us as new parents, it's a godsend," he said.

"They have a lot of support, including mental health, and for things more specific to men as well.

"You can come here, not be judged and you can just get some advice rather than feeling you have to book an appointment, which is the first hurdle - you can just pop in."

So far 605 people have visited to have their blood pressure checked, with 161 alerted that theirs was high.

Ms Thomas said the unit was set up to support people in taking control of their health and wellbeing.

She said life expectancy in Aylesbury was much lower than in other parts of Buckinghamshire, by up to 12 years for women and eight years for men.

Ms Thomas said health issues seen in the town included higher rates of smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption.

"We are trying to support people who might not access our services in the normal way," she said.

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