Pharmacy check-up is Scottish first

Published on 01/09/2009 22:07

A NEW system to check patients' risks of suffering heart problems has been installed in a Scottish pharmacy for the first time.

The CardioPod, which uses a series of tests to calculate the chances of someone having a heart attack or stroke in the future, has been widely used in England.

Now a pharmacy in Edinburgh has become the first to have the system installed.

Those wishing to use the machine, which involves taking a blood test, a cholesterol check and measuring weight and height, will face a charge.

But Telehealth Solutions, the firm behind it, are hoping to get government funding so it can be more widely used.

It believes the system could speed up access to testing, which can be carried out by GPs.

Patients with higher risks will be directed to see their doctor.

Georgina Coulson, manager of the Apple Pharmacy in Eyre Place, said: "The CardioPod allows us to undertake health checks that previously would have taken time for results to reach the patient."