NHS Health Check

If you are between 40-75 years old, you may soon be invited by your GP to have a NHS Health Check – say Yes!

What is a NHS Health Check and why say yes?

This Health review is part of your ongoing care. We are checking to see how well you are or if you are at risk of developing some preventable health conditions such as a stroke, heart attack, diabetes, or kidney disease.

You will receive a Health Check every five years. A letter will be sent out from your GP around your 40th, 45th, 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th and 70th birthday.

You will not be invited for a Health Check if you have already been diagnosed with one of the above conditions or you have had a Health Check in the last five years.

The Health Check will take about 20-30 minutes, when you will be asked some simple questions and some measurements will be taken, such as your weight, height, blood pressure and cholesterol level. In some instances you may also be tested for diabetes.

Once you have completed your Health Check you will be offered some information on how to stay healthy and improve your health. If your results show you have a high risk of developing a stroke, heart attack, diabetes or kidney disease, we may be able to offer you some additional support to prevent these illnesses affecting you. Both men and women can develop these conditions, and having one of these could increase your risk of developing another in the future.

You will also be will be given a booklet showing your results and some lifestyles advice to improve your health. Keep it safe so that you can compare your results in five years time.

NHS Health Checks Outreach Sessions

If you would like a Health Check straight away, rather than waiting for your invitation letter, you can enquire at your GP surgery or attend one of the outreach sessions  which are run regularly at the Elephant and Castle, Peckham library, and other community venues by Southwark's Outreach nurses.

Find out more about our outreach sessions >> here

From time to time events may need to be cancelled - we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. 

You can contact the Community Outreach Team at healthy.southwark@southwarkpct.nhs.uk or call Sue Lloyd-Evelyn on 020 7525 1792 to check availability.

• Get your letter                                                               

• Make your appointment

• Enjoy a healthy future!

Find out how an NHS Health Check can benefit you by clicking here.