NURSE Colin Nicholson believes a monthly health bus is making a difference in the Rose Hill community.

He was part of a team of nurses who were on hand to talk about health issues with visitors to The Oval last week.

Before the bus was introduced in February, Rose Hill residents had to travel to Donnington Health Centre in Henley Avenue.

Mr Nicholson, pictured with patient Gillian Cattrall, said: “The bus is making a difference – these people wouldn’t normally go to the doctor but they are walking past and seeing us.

“It is so important just to get your blood pressure checked.

“You cannot see your blood glucose level or cholesterol level and these are things that will cause problems.

“The bus is working – but we need more people to come in.

“We have a whole range of health information available including male and female health and weight loss advice.”

The team can talk to visitors about any health worries and carry out blood pressure and diabetes tests.

The initiative is funded by Oxford Citizens Housing Association, which successfully bid to the Big Lottery Fund last year for £361,000 to pay for projects on the estate over the next five years.

The health bus will visit Rose Hill again on October 24 from 10am-4pm.