The Irish Heart Foundation’s Mobile Health Unit to make a welcome return next week.  

Residents of Dublin 8 who want more support and information on their heart health can access a free blood pressure check, lifestyle advice and information in their local community next week.

From Monday to Friday, (February 21-25) the Heart of the City initiative from Smart D8 in partnership with the Irish Heart Foundation and Novartis, will visit several areas in Dublin 8 with its Mobile Health Unit.

Recent research by Smart D8 found that one in four residents wanted more support and information on their heart health.

The initiative was launched in September and aims to connect people in Dublin 8 with a range of existing resources to support their cardiovascular health, building on existing social prescribing initiatives in the locality.

Those who visit the Mobile Health Unit will receive a blood pressure check, information on heart health and lifestyle advice such as ways to eat healthily and be active.

“We are delighted to have the Mobile Health Unit back in the community providing citizens with preventative health support and expert knowledge. It is critical that we move away from simply treating disease and move to prevention and empowerment of the citizen through health information. Heart of the City continues to deliver for the community” said Orla Veale, Smart D8 Partner, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin.

The Mobile Health Unit will visit St. Michael’s Family Resource Centre in Inchicore on Monday February 21, before moving to St Andrew’s Community Centre, Rialto, the next day.

On Wednesday and Thursday, February 23 and 24, it will be at the F2 Centre, Fatima and on Friday 25, it will be at the Bluebell Community Centre. It will visit the locations from 10am – 4.30pm each day.

Bookings for a health check in the Mobile Health Unit from February 21-25 can be made directly with the locations:

• Monday 21: St. Michael’s Family Resource Centre, Inchicore – Phil Keane – Tel: 085 7586494
• Tuesday 22: St Andrew’s Community Centre, Rialto – Mary Kinane – Tel: 086 792 7899
• Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24: F2 Centre, Fatima – Úna Rafferty – Tel: 089 4411673
• Friday 25: Bluebell Community Centre, Bluebell – Paul Holmes – Tel: 087 1637706

The Heart of our City project works with the Dublin 8 community, St James’s Hospital, ExWell Medical and Fatima Groups United, Family Resource Centre. It also supports GPs, pharmacists, and community groups to help people in Dublin 8 better understand heart disease.

Find out more about the Heart of our City project here.