Earlier this month, I embarked on a unique journey to Tesco on Market Street in Grimsby. My destination was not the grocery store’s shelves, but rather a cutting-edge medical facility – the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check mobile unit.
This mobile marvel plays a pivotal role in the early detection of lung cancer and other respiratory conditions. In this blog post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my visit and explore the valuable service it provides to this North East Lincolnshire community.
The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check mobile unit is part of a new initiative that first took flight in Hull back in 2020. The programme aims to spread awareness and facilitate early diagnosis of lung-related ailments by touring various regions in Humber and North Yorkshire. Recently, it arrived in Grimsby, extending its services to eligible residents living in this coastal town.
The initiative primarily targets current and former smokers aged between 55 to 74 who are registered with a Grimsby GP practice. These individuals are now receiving personalised invitations in the mail, inviting them to participate.
For those who are invited, their journey begins with a simple yet essential step – an appointment for a telephone assessment with a respiratory nurse. This preliminary assessment helps determine the participant’s risk factors and eligibility for further testing.
The next step for some participants involves an invitation to visit the mobile unit which is equipped with a state-of-the-art low-dose CT scanner. This cutting-edge technology allows for the detection of lung conditions in their early stages, greatly improving treatment outcomes.
(left to right) Becky Wood, Stuart Watson, Dr Stuart Baugh, Sue Symington, Chukuemeka Egbunony
During my visit, I was warmly welcomed by Dr Stuart Baugh, the Programme Director for NHS Targeted Lung Health Checks in Humber and North Yorkshire, along with Stuart Watson, Non-Executive Director for Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership. Together with Chukuemeka Egbunony, a Radiographer, and Becky Wood, a Lung Health Check Nurse, they provided me with an informative and engaging tour of the mobile unit.
My tour was an eye-opening experience; I had the chance to witness the state-of-the-art technology and meet the dedicated healthcare professionals behind this essential service. The tour wasn’t just about showcasing the machinery, it was also an opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of how the programme contributes to the health and well-being of Grimsby residents.
The visit shed light on an invaluable service that’s making a significant difference in the early detection of lung conditions. With its innovative approach and dedicated team of healthcare professionals, this initiative is providing residents of Grimsby and surrounding areas with the tools they need to safeguard their lung health.
As the mobile unit continues its journey through Humber and North Yorkshire, it’s clear that it’s not just a van with medical equipment – it’s a symbol of progress and hope for healthier lives.
So, if you’re eligible and receive an invitation in the mail, consider taking that first step toward better lung health. You might just find yourself on a remarkable journey, much like my own, into the heart of healthcare innovation.
Find out more about lung health checks in Humber and North Yorkshire.
