It was Saturday 12 April. The morning was bright and sunny. The schools had just paused for the Easter break. Yet, one could see that people and families from not only Preston but also far afield were making their way towards the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Preston campus. It was the day of NFHW’s 24th annual Health Mela held the UCLan’s Foster building.

The traditional breakfast meeting began at 10 am. After introduction by Mr Russell Hogarth, chairman of NFHW professor Romesh Gupta OBE welcomed the chief guest Dr Mumtaz Patel, other dignitaries and members of public and students.

In his address, he said ‘We are fortunate to have a Prestonian, born, grown and still living locally Dr Mumtaz Patel as our chief guest. Dr Mumtaz Patel. Dr Patel, Vice President of the Royal College of Physicians, London is currently acting  as its President. She is a consultant Nephrologist at the Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust.’ He then briefly outlined journey of NFHW which held its first health mela in 2001 at the Gujarat Hindu Society’s premises to its present location. He reminded the audience that over last 24 years, NFHW has not only organised nearly 75 health melas all over the UK but also inspired and supported other organisations to emulate the model, in countries as far as India and Libya. Also present on the dais were mayor of Preston Councillor Philip Crowe, Dr Geraldine O’Connor from the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Professor Rob Campbell, NFHW trustee, Professor Amit Sinha, president of BIDA and editor of the BIDA journal, several other dignitaries and healthcare students.

Dr Mumtaz Patel spoke about ‘Health Education – Key to Promoting Good Health’. Dr Patel said that health equity is fundamental in achieving fair & good health outcomes for all. She highlighted the fact that it is linked to the social determinants of health and focus should be on prevention for which multi-level/ multisector approach is necessary. Stating that data driven approach is essential she stressed need for wide stakeholder, community engagement and joined up approach. She congratulated NFHW and UCLan for their collaboration and reiterated her belief that small actions can make a big difference.

Professor Amit Sinha and Dr Elizabeth MacPhie, consultant rheumatologist and a few others also participated in the discussion and shared their views on the topic. This was followed by further lively debate before it was brought to an end. Mr Ishwar Tailor proposed the vote of thanks and invited attendees to attend the formal opening of the Health Mela.

Mayor of Preston Cllr Philip Crowe formerly declared the health mela open. During the ceremony, NFHW awarded its fellowship to Professor Amit Sinha and Professor Dr Catherine Jackson, Pro Vice Chancellor UCLan for their support and contributions towards the aims of the NFHW. The formal programme came to an end after some entertaining dances by members of the group led by Sheema Hajuria of Fylde Coast Hindu Society.

The Health Mela had about 60 health related stall from various NHS, voluntary and charitable organisations. Nearly 1700 visitors took advantage of the information, advice and opportunity to seek further information from these stalls so that they could take control of their health. Many used the smoothie bike to enjoy a free drink whilst children benefitted from ‘Teddy Bear’ clinic. There also was the taster session of Reiki offered by the volunteers of Holistic Living Group, Preston under the leadership of Mr Khushalbhai Kumar.

In total, 171 visitors took advantage of the free Health MOT by having their body vitals and bloods tested for various health parameters. Nearly five percent (nine) were identified with abnormalities such as high blood pressure, high blood glucose or lipids. They were appropriately advised and referred to their respective GPs. All the health assessments were carried out by student volunteers from UCLan’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Pharmacy, and AUC’s medical students under supervision. Students were supervised by Drs Rajesh and Alpana Asurlekar from the School of Medicine and Dentistry and Ann Urmston, Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy. Blood tests were carried out by members of the Blood Drop team from the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust under the leadership of Dr Martin Myers, Mr Shahid Kaleem and Penny Hemingway. Professor Satyen Rajbhandari, consultant physician, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust led the entire team.

 

This wonderful and eventful Health Mela came to an end at 3 pm with everyone looking forward to next year’s 25thPreston health Mela.

Reflecting on her experience of the day, Dr Mumtaz Patel said ‘It was a fantastic event bringing together health care professionals to support the wider community. It was truly inspirational how the event was organised and managed. Such innovative and great practice that needs to be shared wider and be adopted more broadly. I was impressed with everyone’s passion and commitment to improve health, care and wellbeing for our patients and community.’

Dr Geraldine O’Connor commented ‘I thought that the whole event was very well organised and went very well on the day. The breakfast meeting was a great opportunity to discuss the challenges (and potential solutions!), and the stands and activities in the Halls provided a great resource to the community. I got a chance to speak with a lot of the participants and see first-hand the great impact these events can have on our community.’

Burley Health Mela will be held on Saturday 31 May from 11 am to 3 pm at UCLan’s Burnley campus Victoria Mills, Trafalgar St, Burnley BB11 1RA.