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Liverpool residents now have easier access to free and rapid health screenings thanks to the deployment of new self-service health stations at the Lifestyles Alsop and Garston Centres. This project is supported by Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team and funded by Public Health Liverpool, aiming to provide quick health assessments within community spaces. The stations allow individuals to conduct a straightforward health check in less than five minutes, helping to detect early warning signs of major health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
These SISU Health Stations measure important health metrics including blood pressure, BMI, heart rate, and body composition. In addition, they evaluate lifestyle aspects like physical activity levels and alcohol consumption, offering users an estimated “heart age.” After completing the check, users receive immediate, tailored feedback along with recommendations about whether they should consult a pharmacist or their general practitioner. When given consent, the stations can also guide people to relevant local services such as smoking cessation support or adult weight management programs.
By situating these health stations in familiar community environments, Liverpool City Council hopes to engage with individuals who may not regularly visit traditional healthcare providers. Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, emphasized the value of these accessible checks: “Making it easier for residents to understand their health and take early action is a key priority for us. These new health stations bring quick, accessible checks right into the heart of our communities, helping people spot potential issues before they become serious. By working closely with our NHS partners, we’re removing barriers and ensuring that more people can benefit from early intervention and the right support at the right time.”
The impact of convenient health checks is exemplified by Mike Andrews, a 45-year-old from Tuebrook. Despite rarely visiting the doctor and experiencing no symptoms, Mike agreed to a blood pressure test during a routine optician visit after noticing a leaflet. His reading was alarmingly high at 255/151. Following urgent advice to attend A&E, Mike was hospitalized for several days. He reflects, “Doctors told me that without intervention, a heart attack or stroke was inevitable. My wife would have lost a husband, and my children would have lost their dad.” Now managing the condition with daily medication, Mike credits the initial test with saving his life.
High blood pressure is a leading contributor to serious medical conditions like stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease, often developing silently without noticeable symptoms. As a result, many remain undiagnosed, making the availability of quick and easy health checks a priority. Within just 24 hours of installation, the new health stations recorded 39 checks and identified three individuals with high blood pressure, who were then referred for further NHS follow-up care. Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, highlighted the importance of these efforts: “High blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks often develop silently, without symptoms, which is why making these checks widely accessible is so important. These new health stations are a simple but powerful tool to help people understand their health, identify risks early, and take action. By bringing prevention closer to where people live their daily lives, we can improve outcomes and help reduce health inequalities across the city.”
While the kiosks offer greater accessibility, it’s acknowledged that they may not fully meet the needs of everyone, particularly individuals with mobility challenges or wheelchair users. To accommodate this, the Council’s Health & Wellbeing Team provides in-person support, including assistance with kiosk use and personalized wellness checks. Residents can reach the team via phone or email to arrange the most suitable option. Looking ahead, the health stations are planned to be rotated among various Lifestyles Centres over the coming two years, with an evaluation planned before considering further expansion of the program. This initiative aligns with Liverpool City Council’s wider commitment to prevention, early detection, and local community-based health support
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