Newly funded community health bus to bring essential NHS services closer to home

A new mobile unit designed to bring NHS services to people in their local community has received essential funding of £45,000 from ExxonMobil Fawley.

Launching in Spring 2026, the Waterside Health Bus will provide essential NHS Health Checks, lifestyle advice, personalised wellbeing support and connections to additional care where needed, all from locations that are convenient and familiar to residents.

The funding covers the purchase and conversion of the vehicle into a mobile health unit, along with medical supplies, PPE, fuel, and insurance for its launch phase.

The initiative is part of the Waterside Primary Care Network, a dedicated group of GP practices working together to reduce health inequalities across the Waterside region.

The ExxonMobil and Waterside Primary Care Network-branded vehicle will serve more than 40,000 residents across Blackfield, Calshot, Fawley, Holbury, Hythe and Marchwood and will rotate between key neighbourhoods each week, making it easier for residents to access essential care and support close to home.

“Thanks to ExxonMobil Fawley’s support, we’ll be able to continue our mission to improve the long-term health and wellbeing of our local community through accessible, preventative and patient-centred care,” said Yvonne Sayers, Health and Wellbeing Team Lead at Waterside Primary Care Network.

“Across the Waterside region, almost 10,000 people are eligible for a free NHS Health Check, and the Waterside Health Bus, which is staffed by healthcare professionals and community health workers, will make it far simpler for them to receive those checks close to home. This can make a real difference to residents who may struggle with transport or mobility.”

The Waterside Primary Care Network is made up of Forestside Medical Practice, the Red and Green Practices, and Waterfront and Solent Surgery.

Jess Pickford, Clinical Director at Waterside Primary Care Network, said: “The new Waterside Health Bus will essentially bring Primary Care Services closer to people who might otherwise struggle to reach us.

“It will also help us engage with communities that often miss out on support, allowing us to spot early warning signs of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, monitor blood pressure and provide tailored lifestyle and mental health advice when it’s needed most.

“Several parts of the Waterside sit among the top 10% most deprived areas in the country, and we know that has a real impact on both physical and emotional wellbeing. By taking care directly into these neighbourhoods, we can connect with people earlier and make support easier to reach. We’re incredibly grateful to ExxonMobil Fawley for helping make this initiative possible.”

Joel Mizen, Site Manager at ExxonMobil Fawley, added, “Our funding will deliver significant benefits to the communities that are our closest neighbours.

“This initiative is part of our broader commitment to support essential services across the region, and we’re delighted to help enable an additional health service that will make a lasting difference.”