NHS Health Checks

EMIS web files added 10 January 2012

We have now added two more files for GP practices to download if you use the EMIS system. The EMIS web files are now attached at the bottom of this webpage. Any problems please email Jasline.jacob@onel.nhs.uk.

GP practices in NHS outer north east London should download the files attached here - depending on the practice IT system you are using.

Please find attached new files to download which supports your practice with the delivery of local NHS Health Checks for your patients.

We have also added additional instruction documents here too.

If you have any problems with these files, please email Jasline.jacob@onel.nhs.uk.

For more information on NHS Health Checks please visit the NHS Choices website. www.nhs.uk. We have put some basic information on NHS Health Checks below.

What is an NHS Health Check?

The NHS Health Check programme is for adults in England aged between 40 and 74. If a patient is invited for an NHS Health Check they will be offered a series of routine tests that will help identify their risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

You can find out more about the importance of those diseases on the NHS Choices website on the Why these four diseases? Webpages.

Why do you patients need an NHS Health Check?

Everyone has a risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes. NHS Health Check will patients and health professionals to identify that risk earlier.

Patients will then be given advice on what action they can take to lower their risk and improve their chances of a healthier life. For example, making changes to diet or becoming more active.

How do patients get an NHS Health Check?

Patients aged between 40 and 74 who haven't already been diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or had a stroke, will be invited for a check at some time over the coming years. Local NHS outer north east London will choose who receives the check first. This means it may be some time before patients are invited.

Patients registered with a GP, may be invited for the check by letter, or may be offered the check when they are visiting a local GP or local pharmacy for another reason.

Patients concerned about any of these conditions should not wait for a letter but see their GP as they would normally.

Adults who have already been diagnosed with one of the four diseases won't be invited for the check, and their condition will continue to be managed as usual.

Where will the NHS Health Check happen?

This will vary across the country. An NHS Health Check could take place at the local GP surgery, but it may also be available at local pharmacies and elsewhere.

NHS outer north east London will decide on the most suitable locations for patients, and it will give patients the details when it invites them for a check.

What happens at an NHS Health Check?

A few, straightforward health tests are taken from patients, followed by a discussion of the results. Learn more in What happens at NHS Health Check? On the NHS Choices website.

What happens after the check?

Following the first check, patients will be invited for another check every five years until they’re over 74. If they are diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or have a stroke after their first or any subsequent NHS Health Check, their condition will be managed as usual and there will be no need for further checks.

If a GP offers patients any medical treatments after their NHS Health Check, such as medicines to lower blood pressure, their progress on those medicines will be monitored by a GP.