Rotary Kiama again hosted a successful visit by the Health Education Rural Van (MHERV) recently.

This Van is a modern mobile clinic, sponsored by Rotary and operated by an experienced registered nurse. 

It offered a free opportunity for residents to have a health screen without judgement and without having to make an appointment. 

Last year, the van was in Kiama for one wet and windy day, but 55 members of the public were seen. 

This time, around 140 residents took the opportunity for a health check, and several of the attendees were urged to see their GP after receiving the results of their screening process.

The free service was offered in a relaxed, confidential and informal setting, screening for blood pressure as well as blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 

The nurse also provided general health advice as well as recommending more formal health action if required. 

The MHERV is operated by the Rotary Club of Warners Bay in collaboration with local NSW Rotary clubs and Kiama Rotary members have hosted the van in the town on several occasions.

The MHERV Project has been operating for over six years, travelling regional and rural NSW to offer free health check-ups to people who haven’t seen the inside of a doctor’s room since they don’t remember when.  

In that time, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels may have reached seriously high levels and there may be no symptoms … until it’s too late and a heart attack or stroke strikes.

Kiama Rotary president Phil Whyte said the club was pleased by the public response to the free testing clinic. 

“We hope to have the MHERV van visit Kiama again in the near future to continue this wonderful and effective free public heath improvement program.”