Pit Stop health shop checks out Premier and Health Minister

4/6/02
Premier Geoff Gallop and Health Minister Bob Kucera were given health checks on the run today at the 'Pit Stop' men's health service in Carnarvon.
Dr Gallop used the opportunity to announce that the Government would provide $15,000 to the Pit Stop Program so it could become mobile.
"This program - which uses a car servicing concept to get men in for a medical check up - has been very successful," he said.
"Indeed, Pit Stop has screened more than 500 men since it began in 1999.
"This extra funding will enable the program to lease a vehicle and fund a custom-built trailer so it can reach more men, in more areas of the State."
The Premier made the announcement with the Health Minister at Carnarvon Regional Hospital.
Officers at the hospital's public health unit developed the innovative program three years ago to address the problem of men failing to access health services.
"The program was modelled along the lines of a car servicing concept as it was realised that men lavish more regular care and attention on their cars than their own bodies," Dr Gallop said.
The Premier and Mr Kucera under went two points of the seven-point inspection - having their oil pressure (blood pressure) and torsion (flexibility) checked.
Dr Gallop said that the Pit Stop program supported Government initiatives in improving general community health and proactive campaigns to address alcohol and drug consumption.
As a result of an election commitment, $105,000 had been given to the Alcohol and Other Drugs initiative, of which $15,000 would enable the Pit Stop program to go mobile.
The Premier said that funding for the Alcohol and Other Drugs initiative would be spent on enhancing counselling facilities and developing access to health services.
The concept of the Pit Stop Program has been sold to other State Governments as well as to the Health Education Centre in Providence, Rhode Island, in the United States.
The program - which now has a full-time co-ordinator - is run in collaboration with the Carnarvon Health and Men Project to consult on how best to package and present men's health services.
Premier's office: 9222 9475