09/06/2009

Grahame Welcomes Free Carer Health Checks

Local carers urged to claim free health checks at Lloyds pharmacies during Carers Week
Christine Grahame MSP speaking at the start of Carers Week has welcomed an offer of free health checks for local people who care for ill, frail or disabled friends or family members on an unpaid basis
Lloyds Pharmacy has teamed up with charity Carers Scotland and Carers UK to offer free heart health checks (normally worth £15) to carers from 8th-14th June. The checks include cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes checks and can are available from Lloyds pharmacies in Galashiels and Kelso.
There are 9,172 carers in the Scottish Borders and this scheme will allow them to receive vital and necessary health checks. Ms Grahame said:

“The unpaid care provided to friends and family by carers makes such an important contribution to our society and local communities - we have got to make sure their own health doesn’t suffer as a result.
"Practical initiatives like this partnership between our local Lloyds pharmacy and Carers Scotland will help carers to look after themselves, and I would urge carers to take up this excellent opportunity to have their health checked.”

Patrick Begley, Director of Carers Scotland said;
“Carers with the heaviest caring responsibilities are twice as likely to suffer ill health as the general public.

"Too often carers suffering from stress, isolation and exhaustion are unable to find time to get checkups and end up ignoring their own health problems to continue to care.
"This offer will allow carers to get their health checked there and then, when they pop into their local Lloyds Pharmacy.”

Ends
The free checks are only available during Carers Week to carers with health check vouchers, which can be ordered by emailing charity@lloydspharmacy.co.uk

SNP It’s time.....