Guernsey Launches Free Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Programme

Friday 27 March 2026

A new joint initiative to help reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Guernsey will launch on 1 April. Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG and Public Health Services are partnering to deliver 'ABCD', a free prevention, detection and early-intervention programme.

The checks will identify undiagnosed high blood pressure, high blood lipids (including cholesterol), irregular heartbeat and diabetes. These are key risk factors for CVD including heart disease and stroke. Many people experience no symptoms, meaning conditions often go unnoticed until serious illness develops.

The initiative builds on a successful pilot run in late 2025 and will again combine community outreach clinics with appointments at the Guernsey Chest and Heart Centre at the PEH. This 12-month programme costs £50,000.

Cardiovascular disease remains a major local health challenge. The Guernsey Mortality Trends Report (2024) showed that circulatory diseases accounted for 26% of deaths in Guernsey and Alderney; the second most common cause of death locally. The 117th Medical Officer of Health Report also highlighted the need for earlier detection of hypertension (known as high blood pressure), particularly in underserved communities.

Deputy Dr George Oswald, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said:

"Reducing cardiovascular risk is essential to improving islanders' long-term health. This programme reflects the Government Workplan's commitment to prevention and early intervention, and we're pleased to support this partnership with Guernsey Chest and Heart."

Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, said:

"Conditions such as atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, stroke and dementia but they are often silent. Early detection of these risk factors gives people the chance to act before serious problems develop.

"Our ABCD approach: A for atrial fibrillation, B for blood pressure, C for cholesterol and D for diabetes, helps us identify those with these recognisable clinical risk factors and provide clear, practical advice to reduce that risk, including advising them to seek further advice from their GP. This programme empowers people to reduce cardiovascular risk by giving them the relevant information to make informed choices about their health."

Caroline Ogier, Manager of Guernsey Chest and Heart Centre, said:

"We want to make these checks as accessible as possible. The ABCD programme is free for residents aged 25 to 70 who are not already receiving treatment for these conditions, and you don't need to be registered with a GP.

"We know not everyone finds it easy to access healthcare, so we'll be running drop-in clinics at the Chest and Heart Centre and in community locations such as the Guille-Allès Library and Norman Piette. We're actively reaching out to different groups to ensure we reduce as many barriers as possible.

"The check takes around 15 minutes, and our nurses will talk you through your results and next steps. These simple tests could prevent serious illness in the future."

The first drop-in clinics will take place at:

• Guille-Allès Library on 2 April 10:00-13:45
• Chest and Heart Centre, PEH on 7 April 9:30-14:00 No appointment or referral is required.

Further clinic dates and locations will be promoted on local radio and on the Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG website and social media: chestandheart.org.gg

For more information, contact the Guernsey Chest and Heart Centre on 01481 237261.