More people in Burnley can now access vital health checks at a weekly drop-in clinic thanks to an innovative new partnership.

The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria is working with Pastor Mick Fleming, the Church on The Street (COTS) charity, based on Hammerton Street, and other local organisations to provide access to health services for vulnerable people.

The health clinics delivered by Burnley East and West Primary Care Networks (PCNs) will offer a variety of baseline health checks, such as height, weight and blood pressure, as well as more complex screening opportunities for conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes etc.

There is also provision for vaccinations, annual learning disability health checks, annual serious mental illness health checks, and a Dietetics clinic, with organisations working together to coordinate care and any onwards referrals where necessary.

The clinic’s services are already proving popular with many people who would not normally engage with mainstream health services, taking up the opportunity to access health checks in a space they are comfortable and familiar with.  The centre has disabled access, a community café, showers, washing facilities, a clothes bank, and a food bank and is seen as a trusted, safe space by the community. 

Pastor Mick Fleming from the Church on The Street (COTS) said: "Poverty ends when access becomes equal. Our new partnership with the NHS will aim to help end health poverty. COTS welcomes all members of society regardless of their background. We aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for access to support."

Hazel Swarbrick, speaking on behalf of Burnley East and West PCN said: “This project is so important for Burnley. We now offer a service to some of the most vulnerable patients in our community who wouldn’t ordinarily access these vital health checks. Our nurse teams are providing clinical support to help reduce health inequalities and it has been brilliant working collaboratively with other agencies to contribute to the wrap-around care.”

COTS is a registered charity and is working to build trust and encourage access for vulnerable people to engage with much-needed physical and mental health services. A weekly mental health drop-in clinic delivered by LSCFT has run since January 2022 and a range of other services from organisations such as Pendleside Hospice, Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB), Lancashire Women, Elisha House, Changing Futures, and the Homeless Health Needs Assessment service also attend the COTS community space.

An optometry ‘drop-in’ service is also provided at COTS by Home Opticians with free eye tests and glasses for specific vulnerable groups and it is hoped that further services such as oral health checks and podiatry may also be delivered at the drop-in health clinic.

Dr Andy Knox associate medical director for population health across Lancashire and South Cumbria said: “This innovative and collaborative approach will ensure that vulnerable people in Burnley have access to vital health services in an environment they feel comfortable and safe in whilst reducing use of emergency services in Pennine Lancashire. This can only be achieved by working together, being flexible and open to change and I know there is a desire to see this model replicated in other areas across our region.”