NHS Health Check

What is an NHS Health Check?
NHS Health Checks is a national programme for everyone between 40 and 74 years old. It will assess your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes and will support you to reduce or manage that risk through individually tailored advice. We intend to offer an NHS Health Check to everyone aged between 40 and 74 years in the NHS Norfolk area over the next 5 years

Why do I need one?
Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes or kidney disease. The good news is that these diseases can often be prevented. By having an NHS Health Check your personal risk can be assessed early and we can support you to reduce that risk..

Where can I go to get an NHS Health Check?
The NHS Health Check programme is currently being delivered by GP surgeries and some pharmacies. In the future it is hoped that NHS Health Checks can be offered in other locations, such as in the workplace or in your community.

Who will do it?
NHS Health Checks are being delivered by GPs, Nurses, Health Care Assistants and Pharmacists, depending on where you go to have your check. Training, support and resources to deliver the checks have been provided by NHS Norfolk.

How will I be offered an appointment?
If your GP surgery is taking part in the NHS Health Checks programme you may either be sent an invitation to attend or offered a health check at the practice while you are there for other reasons.

If your local pharmacy is taking part in the NHS Health Checks programme they will advertise the service and you can contact them to arrange to have your health check at the pharmacy.

What will it involve?
The check itself involves a standard assessment which will record basic information, such as height, weight, current medication, age, family history, smoking and blood pressure. They will also take a simple blood test for cholesterol and (in some cases) glucose levels.

What happens after my NHS Health Check?
After the assessment, you will be told about your level of risk and, if necessary, you will be offered personalised advice and support to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle, for example by:

• Having a healthy diet
  Information and advice on eating a healthy balanced diet, including guides on how to lose weight and feel healthy without giving up all the things you love, including information on assisted weight management programmes.
• Stopping smoking
  Information, advice and guidance to stop smoking and start living, including a referral to a stop smoking service.
• Taking regular physical activity
  Information on the importance of doing activities that get your heart beating faster. This will include contact details for local walking groups, community sports facilities, advice to help you get going and information on cycle routes in your local area.

The results of your check will be passed to your GP regardless of which healthcare professional carries out the assessment.

Do I get one check, or more?
Most people aged 40-74 are eligible to receive an NHS Health Check every five years up to the age of 74. The programme is, however, aimed at identifying people who have a risk that they are not aware of. If you already have a condition covered by the check, your GP will already be managing this and the health check will not be useful for you.

Do I have to go on my own?
No, as long as you are comfortable with whoever you take with you for the tests and results. The NHS Health Check will take about 30-40 minutes and, therefore, may not be suitable for taking small children. Please ask for advice from the healthcare professional carrying out the check.

Can’t I do it myself – I’m pretty capable?
The full NHS Health Check requires tests which cannot be done at home. To get the full benefit from the check you really should see a healthcare professional.

To read more about the programme and to download a leaflet, please go to http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_097490