A new move from the government to boost the economy through improved public health will see over 130,000 people benefit from an NHS Health Check.
The checks help determine people’s cardiovascular risk and will save thousands of hours of NHS time, in turn cutting waiting lists and building the NHS for the future.
Completing the test means people will be better protected against things like:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
Millions eligible
While as many as 16 million people are eligible for an NHS Health Check, only around two-fifths (40%) took up the opportunity after being invited. This programme is looking to reach more people through their workplace – those from the building, hospitality, transport, and social care sector will take part in the scheme.
Government minister for public health and prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said: “This innovative new programme is an important step towards community-focused healthcare and supporting economic and productivity through improving health, shifting the focus from treatment to prevention, easing the strain on the NHS and helping people to live well for longer.”
Clinical director for stroke at NHS England, David Hargroves, added that the programme shows how the health service is committed to prevention.
Digital health check
A new digital version of the health check has also been announced by the government today, with testing scheduled for early next year. The digital check will be available through the NHS App, with local authorities in Norfolk, Medway, and Lambeth set to lead the pilot.
Health leaders believe the digital programme will deliver around one million checks in its first four years, with plans being drawn up to embed the digital version nationally.
On this initial roll-out, the Local Government Association’s chair, Cllr Louise Gittins, said: “Councils are exploring new ways to boost uptake, targeting individuals or communities at increased risk, and using proactive outreach programmes to get into those communities who are less likely to attend their general practice.
“However, there is more that can be done, and by partnering council and employers, we can make sure more people get a health check and hopefully prevent illness later on.”
Image credit: iStock
![[Left to right] Prof. Ronan Killeen - Consultant Radiologist at St. Vincent's Private Hospital, Andy Wilks - Head of Enterprise Services for Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland, Edel O’Keeffe - Director of Finance at St. Vincent's Private Hospital, Ghada Trotabas - Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland, Brian Fitzgerald - Chief Executive Officer of St. Vincent's Private Hospital with Grania Heal – Country Head for Ireland at Siemens Healthineers, and Rob Ruttledge](/sites/nhe/files/styles/teaser/public/2024-09/Press%20release%20image-24.jpg?itok=gHKP-rtG)
