NHS Health Checks are available to eligible 40 to 74 year olds once every 5 years. They assess the individual’s health and identifies relatively simple lifestyle changes they could make to lower their risk of developing serious but preventable conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and dementia.
Latest published figures show that so far in 2023-4, 5,302 Wolverhampton residents have received their NHS Health Check. Meanwhile, over the last 5 years, almost 90% of Wolverhampton’s eligible population have been invited for their NHS Health Check, putting Wolverhampton in the top 25% performing local authorities in England.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: "It's great that so many more people in Wolverhampton are coming forward for their NHS Health Check when it is due, and I would like to thank the excellent work of our city’s GP practices in helping us to be one of the top performing local authorities in England currently.
“The Health Check is free and will help you to take steps to maintain or improve your health. It only takes about 30 minutes and you’ll be asked some simple questions, such as family history and choices which may put your health at risk. Your height, weight and blood pressure will be recorded and there will also be a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level.
"You will be provided with your results and given advice on any steps you might need to take to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.
"If you think your NHS Health Check is overdue, please speak to your GP practice. And please remember, if you are concerned about any aspect of your health, contact your GP practice to discuss these – don't wait for an invitation for your NHS Health Check."
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton is currently trialling the digital NHS Health Check, giving people the opportunity to complete a portion of the regular health check from the comfort of their own home, and helping to cut down on appointment times. Some eligible residents may receive an invitation via SMS or email from their GP practice to complete much of their NHS Health Check online, should they wish. Everyone else will continue to be offered an in person check in the usual way.
Councillor Jaspal continued: "If you are sent an invitation for a digital health check you will be invited to answer a series of questions online which will give you a better understanding of your health status.
"You may also be offered a blood test at home or be asked to book an appointment to come in for a blood test and blood pressure reading. If you choose to be sent a home blood test kit you will be sent full instructions on how to collect the sample and return it to the lab."
For more information on NHS Health Checks, please visit NHS Health Check.
