New health centre in Tarxien to offer lifestyle assessments

New health centre in Tarxien to offer lifestyle assessments

A new health centre in Tarxien, managed by the local council, will be offering the community holistic lifestyle support as well as medical services. 

Parliamentary secretary for local governance Stefan Buontempo said today that the decision to entrust the health centre to the local council is part of the government's effort to bring local councils closer to their constituents. Nine other health centres on the islands, out of the total 45, are run by local councils. 

Parliamentary secretary for health Chris Fearne said that this 'lifestyle centre' would focus not only on curing disease but on its prevention as well.

"80% of deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases, including heart problems, blood pressure and so on, so tackling lifestyle is essential," he said. 

Such centres, including counterparts in Gudja, Zabbar, Zurrieq, San Gwann, Gzira and Msida, aim to encourage healthier living.

CEO of Primary Health Renzo Degabriele explained what residents could expect from the centre. People visiting the centre for the first time will be asked a series of questions about their lifestyle and undergo a 45-minute assessment of their health and lifestyle by trained community health care workers. Referrals to specialized professionals are made to tackle any problem areas. Occasional assessments follow up on patients' progress.

A current user of the service, Stephen Tonna, speaks highly of his experience. Over the past three months, regular assessments have made him feel like someone is looking out for him and his health.