Hundreds of lung health checks carried out on Blackpool residents at risk of chronic disease

More than 1,000 people in Blackpool, who are aged between 55 and 74 and have ever smoked, have been offered a special lung health check.

A total of 1,309 people received a letter inviting them for a lung health check virtual appointment during a six week period from August to September.

After further checks, a total of 874 eligible people then received a check over the telephone. Some 631 were then referred for a CT scan at a mobile scanning unit in Bank Street park close to the town centre.

NHS England data shows Blackpool has a higher than average rate of lung diseases which is why it has been chosen as one of 10 pilot sites for the programme.

The mobile scanning unit has now moved to Blackburn with Darwen but will return to Blackpool later in the year.

Dr Neil Hartley-Smith, a Blackpool GP and clinical director for NHS Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG):

“We are pleased with the number of people who have come forward to engage with the service and take up the appointments that are offered. The impact that the lung health check could have on someone’s long term health is hugely significant. We know Blackpool has a higher rate of lung diseases than the national average, due mainly to the prevalence of smoking in the area. This service has the potential to reach around 32,854 people in Blackpool over four years. That’s a substantial number of people who could benefit from discovering a lung condition early enough to be treated and to prevent long-term damage.”

Find out more information here (opens in a new window) or call 01530 432 341.