HEALTH leaders hope colourful cabs will help reverse a fall in the rate of people having free NHS check-ups.

Oxfordshire County Council has paid £9,000 to decorate four Oxford taxis for a year with information about the NHS health check.

It comes amid concern about low take-up of the test – for people aged 40 to 74 – in Oxfordshire.

Cabinet member for public health Hilary Hibbert-Biles said: “Increasing the number of NHS health checks delivered is very important in ensuring the health of Oxfordshire.

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“The check can help people live a longer, healthier life and we are committed to doing everything we can to get more people to take up the offer.”

The national scheme includes a blood pressure test and fingerprick blood sample to test cholesterol.

It is a major part of NHS efforts to prevent illnesses like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, which put a strain on hospitals. Yet take-up has remained low in Oxfordshire with 4,249 of the 10,232 invited from April to June, 41.5 per cent, attending.

This was down on the figures for the 12 months to March 31, when 45.9 per cent of those invited attended. The county target is 65 per cent.

Amanda Buckett, a practice nurse at Bartlemas Surgery, East Oxford, urged people to attend.

“She said: “There’s no need to have any concerns about what might happen at the check.

“If any cause for concern is identified, you will be given advice and support as to how to reduce your risk.”

The council said the move is part of a “targeted initiative” to encourage more people to take up the free checks.

Other efforts include taking mini-checks to an Oxford United game at the city’s Kassam Stadium last month.

The cabs include advertising on the bottom of seats which are put down when a person sits on them.

Taxi driver Zafar Iqbal, 75, said he was pleased with his cab’s new look, adding: “I am all right – I look after myself.”

In England last year, 48.9 per cent of patients attended appointments. Health checks can be requested at GP practices.


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