Supporters attending the Nottingham Forest vs Fulham match on 15 March had the opportunity to access quick health checks, with SISU Health Stations available in the Fan Zone at the City Ground. The initiative, delivered with local health partners, helped identify previously undetected health risks and connect fans with further support.
Delivered in partnership with Health Innovation East Midlands, Nottingham Forest Community Trust and the Nottingham City Place-Based Partnership, the initiative brought health checks into a matchday environment, reaching people who may not routinely access traditional screening services.
Fans visiting the Fan Zone could quickly measure key indicators such as blood pressure, BMI and heart rate, while receiving personalised health insights and signposting to local support services.
The activity formed part of a wider collaboration between local partners including Thriving Nottingham and the Stroke Association, aimed at improving access to preventative health services in the community.
Addressing undiagnosed health risks in Nottingham
Ahead of the game, local health leaders highlighted the importance of making health checks accessible in everyday environments:
We know that about half of adults in Nottingham City don’t know what their blood pressure is, and a quarter don’t have it checked regularly at all. We also know there’s a high proportion of undiagnosed high blood pressure in Nottingham City.
Dr. Husein Mawji, Nottingham GP & Clinical Director of Nottingham City Place-Based Partnership
Matchday checks highlight the importance of early detection
The Fan Zone activation saw strong engagement from supporters, with many taking the opportunity to check their health before heading into the stadium.
Initial results from the day underline the value of making checks easy and accessible:
- Two-thirds of participants recorded high blood pressure.
- Over 80% were flagged as overweight or obese.
- Nearly 70% of checks triggered a recommendation to follow up with a GP – one person visited their community pharmacy the next day and has since been given a device to monitor their BP at home.
These findings reflect the broader public health challenge around undiagnosed cardiovascular risk and demonstrate how community-based screening can help identify people who may benefit from further clinical advice.
Yesterday’s fan zone had an incredible atmosphere, and it was fantastic to see so many supporters taking the opportunity to check their health. Identifying people with high blood pressure shows how important these checks are, and we’re pleased to now support them with clinical advice and ongoing care.
Michelle Freer, Transformation Manager, NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB
Fans encouraged to take proactive steps
Supporters who used the station also reflected on the value of having easy access to health insights in a familiar setting:
Using the machine today has highlighted certain aspects of my health that I need to address. And having the Thriving Nottingham QR code there to scan was a great addition as I’ve signed up to their weight management service because of the SISU mini station.
Dom, Nottingham
I consider myself to be very active and healthy with the amount of running and working out that I do, but upon using the SISU mini station, and noticing my blood pressure is a little high, it’s made me realise that I need to get it checked out by my doctor. I would definitely recommend people to use these stations, as you just never know what’s going on in your body.
Jon, Nottingham
Prevention that meets people where they are
Placing preventative health checks in busy community settings such as sports venues helps remove barriers to participation and encourages people to take simple steps to improve their health.
Through collaboration between local NHS organisations, community partners and innovation providers, initiatives like this demonstrate how preventative health services can be embedded into everyday life – reaching people who may not otherwise engage with traditional health services.
Score big for your community health
If you’re looking to expand access to preventative health services, SISU Health Stations can help bring quick, accessible health checks directly to the places people already go.
Our stations provide quick, accessible health checks, connect people with local support services, and generate insights that help inform population health strategies.
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