RCSI, in conjunction with the Whitefriar Aungier Area Community Council (WAACC), will provide free medical checks for residents in the local community today, through Mercer's Medical Centre. The initiative is part of RCSI's REACH programme which promotes Recreation, Education and Community Health.

The medical checks will screen for a range of illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, as well as checking BMI and blood pressure. More than 50 members of the local community will take part in the initiative.

Dr Kilian McGrogan of Mercer's Medical Centre said, “There are a small percentage of people who go for regular check-ups but the majority of people only attend the doctor when they are ill. It is hoped an initiative such as this will encourage local residents to see their doctor more regularly for health check-ups as disease prevention and early intervention encourages people to take a more active interest in their health and can make a positive difference.”