CROWD THRILLED BY BURNLEY HEALTH MELA

On Saturday 31 May, at 8 o’clock in the morning, the Trafalgar Street in Burney suddenly came to life. There were cars turning into the University of Lancashire’s Victoria Mills campus car park. Despite a non-working day, the area suddenly came to life with volunteers off-loading material from their cars and soon the campus was busy with people of all ages. It obviously was the day of Burnley Health Mela organised by the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing (NFHW) in partnership with the University of Lancashire’s School of Medicine and Dentistry.

The traditional breakfast meeting started around 10 am in the presence of chief guest Dr Richard Vautrey, President of the Royal College of General Practitioners. Also in attendance were Mr Oliver Ryan MP, Mayor Cllr. Paul Reynolds and Mayoress Cllr. Gail Barton, Professor Amit Sinha, Professor StJohn Crean and many more civic dignitaries.

Mr Russell Hogarth welcomed the attendees on behalf of the NFHW and the University. Professor StJohn Crean thanked the NFHW for organising Health Mela and other events within the university and promised University’s full support for its activities. Professor Romesh Gupta, Chairman of the NFHW introduced chief guest Dr Vautrey and asked him to speak about ‘Changing Trends and Rising Tides in Primary Health Care’.

Dr Vautrey very vividly and clearly explained about the challenges faced by the NHS and primary care in particular. He highlighted the discrepancy of the NHS budget shared between the primary and the secondary care whilst also describing how decreasing work force has been facing the various challenges and expectations of the public. His remarks were followed by contributions from Dr Rakesh Sharma, GP and Chairman of GP forum of BIDA and Professor Amit Sinha, President of BIDA. Dr Vautrey answered several questions brought up by the audience. Mr Oliver Ryan MP stated that he had noticed the views expressed by the forum and he would take some of the points raised back to the Parliament. He also offered to meet with locals and the organisers to see how the networking could be used to improve access and health services to the local area. The lively discussion had to end because of the time constraints.

After the meeting, the formal opening of the Health Mela took place in the main exhibition hall. It started with beautiful entertaining dance performances by Gemini Bhalsod and Priti Merai. Mayor Cllr. Paul Reynolds formally declared the event open. Professor Gupta then presented Fellowship of the NFHW to Professor StJohn Crean in recognition of his and University’s support to the NFHW for last several years.

This year’s health Mela had nearly 50 health and well related stalls. In addition there also were stalls from the Lancashire constabulary and other social services. With such a large number of exhibitors, stalls were spread over two floors of the building and every visitor enjoyed their time. Children leant about safety and first aid at the ‘Teddy Bear clinic’ by practising on teddy bears and other soft toys. Adults enjoyed receiving information from various health related stall such as breast cancer, organ donation, diet, and so on.

Free Health MOTs where one can have his vitals measured, blood tested for blood sugar and cholesterol followed by customised health advice has been the most prominent and successful attraction of any Health Mela. This Health Mela was no different. Supported by students and staff of the University of Lancashire’s School of Medicine and Dentistry and Blood Drop team from the Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. A total of seventy-nine (79) individuals utilised the health screening facilities offered at the event, of these 38 participants with overweight, obesity, and elevated cholesterol levels received counselling for weight reduction and lifestyle modification. Similarly eight (8) newly diagnosed participants with pre-diabetes and hypertension were referred to their General Practitioners (GPs) for further management of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and weight management.

Reiki therapy taster sessions were popular too. Ten individuals who took part in these sessions had satisfactory results.

The Health Mela ended at 3 pm but those who attended it will remember it for a long time.

Reflecting on the event, Dr Vautrey said “ It’s impressive to see the work you are doing, and the Health Mela today was a positive example of what the current government says it wants to prioritise – moving to a greater focus on prevention… It was good to see some many voluntary groups taking part… Engaging with people and communities in this way is very important and will have beneficial outcomes. Thanks again for all you do.”

All eyes are now on the next year when the NFHW will hold its 25^th anniversary. We all look forward to seeing you all in large numbers. Look out for date and the venue.