NHS Health Checks
If you’re 40 to 74 years old and live in Suffolk, or are registered with a Suffolk GP practice, you could be eligible for a free NHS Health Check.
What is an NHS Health Check?
The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health. It can tell you whether you’re at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
During the check-up you’ll also discuss how to reduce your risk of these conditions and dementia.
If you’re over 65, you will also be told the signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for.
Find out more about
NHS Health Checks
on their website
Why have an NHS Health Check?
It’s also designed to look for the early signs of dementia.
By attending your NHS Health Check, such “silent” problems can be uncovered and treated.
As with any medical information about you, your NHS Health Check results will be treated confidentially.
Having your free NHS Health Check will help you to be better prepared for the future by identifying risks early and taking steps to reduce them.
The NHS Health Check will take about 20-30 minutes, during which:
- The health professional will ask you some simple questions about your family history and lifestyle
- They’ll record your height, weight, gender, ethnicity and age
- They’ll take your blood pressure
- They’ll carry out a simple fingertip blood test to check your cholesterol level
After the NHS Health Check you might receive:
- Tailored advice and information and your overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- Signposting to local services, such as weight management and physical activity services, to help you make any lifestyle changes (if needed)
- Referral to your GP practice for management of cardiovascular risk (as appropriate)
Where can I get an NHS Health Check?
- If you think you are eligible but have not been invited, contact your GP surgery or contact Suffolk GP Federation (https://suffolkfed.org.uk/healthcare-services/nhs-health-checks/) to find out where you can get an NHS Health Check in your area.
- If you have any queries, please contact sgpfed.healthchecks@nhs.net.
A small number of pharmacies in Suffolk are offering NHS Health Checks to eligible Suffolk residents. Contact Suffolk GP Federation for details of your closest pharmacy.