A routine health check can cover things like:
- Current and previous illnesses
- Immunisations and tests
- The current state of your health
- Diet, smoking, exercise, alcohol and other factors that affect health
- Blood pressure
- Blood tests
- Height and weight
- Testing a sample of urine.
A health check is not a comprehensive screening for all illnesses.
New patients
All new patients aged 16 and over need to have a health check as part of our registration process. It is free and takes less than 10 minutes.
The doctors and nurses will be able to give you better care if we have this essential information about you. When you register the staff will make an appointment for you.
NHS health check for patients aged 40-74
Are you over 40 and under 75? Then we recommend an NHS Health Check. This is a national initiative to help prevent or delay the onset of certain health problems. It is free and we do it here at the Practice. It takes about 20 minutes.
We are all at risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes or kidney disease. The NHS Health Check helps identify your risk and offers suggestions for you to lower your risk. (If you already have one of these conditions you will not need this health check. We will continue to monitor you in the usual way.)
You will be asked some questions about your and your family’s health. You will have your blood pressure checked and have a finger-prick blood test to check your cholesterol. Further tests may be offered if necessary.
For more information visit www.nhs.uk/nhshealthcheck or call the NHS Health Check helpline on 0845 850 9850.
Over 75s
As we get older our health needs may change, so we offer an annual health check to all our patients age 75 years or over. The aim is to identify any issues that may affect your independence and general health. We also ensure you are aware of local services which may benefit you.
We will write to you about this every year, but you can also book by speaking to a receptionist.
Long term conditions
If you have a long term condition (also called a chronic illness or chronic disease) then it is essential that you have regular health checks. Depending on your condition it may be an annual check, a six monthly check or more frequently.
The aim of the health check is to keep you healthy and to reduce the impact of your illness on your life. We will write to you when your check is due, but please contact the practice if you are unsure when your next health check is due or if you have any concerns about your long term condition.
Many long term conditions need regular monitoring to ensure you don’t become unwell. This is so important for your health. So please do book an appointment when we write to you.