RCSI 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, "The majority of people only seek a consultation with their doctor as soon as they become ill and there are very few who go for regular check-ups. The idea of offering free check-ups to local Dublin residents is to encourage them to visit their local GP more frequently as disease prevention and early intervention encourages people to take a more active interest in their health. This in turn will make a positive difference to the lives of the members of the local community."

The REACH RCSI Programme is a Community Outreach and Access programme at RCSI. The initiative is aimed at encouraging and facilitating third level participation and enhancing life chances for those traditionally underrepresented at third level, particularly those from Dublin's south inner city.