New heart and lung health checks roll out in Tayside, Glasgow, Grampian

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-20 09:43 2 min read

Medical chest X-ray image showing healthy rib cage and lung area.

New heart and lung health checks: What residents need to know

Residents across Tayside, Glasgow, and Grampian are now eligible for a new series of preventative heart and lung ‘MOT’ checks. Launched by the Scottish Government in partnership with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS), the initiative aims to identify cardiovascular and respiratory risks early, allowing for intervention before conditions develop or worsen.

The programme is designed to reach those who may face barriers to accessing traditional NHS services, specifically targeting communities where the burden of ill health is statistically higher. By moving these screenings into community-based ‘Health Defence Hubs,’ the government hopes to provide a more accessible alternative to standard GP appointments.

What the health checks involve

These checks are designed to be quick, accessible, and actionable. Participants will receive a comprehensive assessment that provides a snapshot of their current cardiovascular and respiratory health. The screening process includes:

Physical measurements: Blood pressure, pulse monitoring, and BMI (Body Mass Index) calculations.
Clinical testing: Cholesterol level checks.
Personalised support: A lifestyle assessment followed by tailored advice to help individuals manage their health in a sustainable way.

Following the assessment, participants receive guidance based on their individual needs. If the screening identifies a potential risk, the service is designed to facilitate follow-up support or direct referrals into local NHS services.

Programme logistics and eligibility

Feature	Details
Current Locations	Tayside, Glasgow, and Grampian
Future Expansion	Ayrshire and Arran (scheduled for next year)
Partnership Duration	Five-year strategic programme
Investment	£3 million indicative funding

The service is intended to complement existing cardiovascular disease prevention schemes already funded by the Scottish Government. While the current rollout is focused on the three specified regions, the government has confirmed that a fourth location in Ayrshire and Arran will open next year, with plans to scale the model further over the next five years.

What this means locally

With approximately one in five people in Scotland currently living with a chest, heart, or stroke condition, this initiative is a direct attempt to reduce the long-term pressure on acute NHS services. By identifying risks at an earlier stage, the programme aims to prevent avoidable illness and reduce health inequalities across the country.

If you are interested in accessing these checks, you can find further information regarding local hub locations and eligibility criteria on the official Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland website. The programme is part of a broader commitment to provide proactive healthcare that is relevant and achievable for those who need it most.

Source: Scottish Government News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Government Health Announcement

This report is based on the official announcement from the Scottish Government regarding the new health screening partnership.

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