NHS Health Checks

Eligibility

You can have a free NHS Health Check if you:

Are aged between 40 and 74 years
Are a Richmond upon Thames resident or registered with a Richmond upon Thames GP
Have not been previously diagnosed with diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease or stroke
Have not had an NHS Health Check in the last 5 years. Private health checks are different to the NHS Health Check, so you could still be eligible if you meet the above criteria

What happens at the health check

A qualified health professional will conduct your NHS Health Check, which will take around 20 to 30 minutes.

The check involves taking basic information such as:

Ethnicity and family history
Measurements, including your body mass index and blood pressure
Performing a blood test to assess your cholesterol level

Based on the results of your NHS Health Check, you will be given tailored healthy living advice and you may be referred for further checks and support.

Differences between NHS and other health checks

Unlike paid-for health checks, the NHS Health Check is designed as a specified set of questions and investigations focused strictly on a set of related risk factors, to be followed by a range of risk reduction measures known to be effective for reducing common cardiovascular diseases.

Both aspects of the programme are based on NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) guidance (research evidence).

How to book

If you are between 40 and 74 years old and do not have a pre-existing health condition, you should be invited to an NHS Health Check every five years.

If you meet the eligibility criteria but have not been invited, contact your GP surgery or community pharmacy to book an appointment. If your local pharmacy doesn't offer NHS Health Checks you can book an appointment with a participating pharmacy in Richmond upon Thames.