Hospital trust joins new year health drive

Staff at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Warwick Hospital and Leamington Rehabilitation Hospital, are taking part in a nationwide Making Every Contact Count (MECC) drive, through which patients and members of the public are given advice on how to stop smoking, cut down on alcohol, maintain a healthy diet and healthy weight and undertake recommended levels of physical activity.

MECC trainer Lynn Moakes said: “Our staff are not aiming to lecture patients on making lifestyle changes, but we would like to ensure that our communities are aware that we are here to assist in any changes to their lifestyle and that it is OK to ask where help is available.”

Ruth Breese, a dietician at the trust, began an eight-week Twitter session this week, through which people can check if they are a healthy weight, look up portion sizes and find links to online help on healthy eating.

Information on all topics in the campaign is also being covered on Twitter. Follow trainers on @nhsswft