BBC Look East highlighted how the Be Well Bus is bringing preventative health checks directly into Ipswich communities. The initiative helps residents access health insights closer to home while supporting the NHS’s shift towards prevention rather than treatment.
Watch BBC Look East visit the Be Well Bus
This report explores how the Be Well Bus is making preventative healthcare easier to access across Ipswich and follows Care Minister Stephen Kinnock as he experiences a health check using the SISU Mini.
Prevention brought into a trusted community space
Residents in Ipswich are accessing health checks closer to home through the Be Well Bus, a mobile health unit bringing preventative care directly into local communities.
The SISU Mini offers a quick, self-service health check that allows residents to monitor key health metrics such as blood pressure, BMI and heart rate – without needing an appointment or any clinical supervision.
After completing a self-service check, users receive immediate personalised results and guidance, allowing them to better understand their health and access appropriate local support where needed.
Stephen Kinnock gains an insight into his health
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock used the SISU Mini to measure his blood pressure, delivering instant insights into his health alongside personalised advice and guidance based on his results. His experience demonstrates how easily health checks can be incorporated into everyday community settings.
A practical example of the NHS’s shift towards prevention
The Be Well Bus was also visited by NHS England’s National Medical Director, who highlighted the importance of sharing innovative approaches that make healthcare more accessible.
The key is to get the best of the NHS to the rest of the NHS. There is always something great happening, something innovative happening, that we need to spread to everywhere.
Steven Powis, National Medical Director, NHS England
By bringing health checks into communities, these initiatives make it easier for residents to identify health risks earlier and reduce pressure on the NHS and local health services over time.
Data highlights a need for accessible health checks
At the time of BBC Look East’s visit, the Be Well Bus had delivered 767 health checks, with the data showing that:
- Over 55% of participants hadn’t had their blood pressure checked in the last 12 months
- 64.1% of participants were overweight or obese
- 294 health checks triggered a GP call-to-action
These figures demonstrate the initiative’s reach and how it is helping residents engage with their health while identifying those who could benefit from further support.
Embed prevention within your local community
The Be Well Bus demonstrates how health checks can be delivered to places people already visit, making prevention part of an everyday routine.
Learn more about our community health solutions or talk to the team about bringing preventative care directly into your community.
Transform prevention and early detection in your community
Work with us to deliver accessible, data-driven health solutions that reach underserved groups and support public health goals.
