The groundbreaking initiative is designed to transform the way people access preventative health services by making it even easier for people to get their free NHS Health Check.
Available to eligible 40 to 74 year olds – those without pre-existing conditions – once every 5 years, the NHS Health Check assesses an 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.
The council was chosen as one of a handful of areas to pilot the rollout of the NHS Health Check Online following a competitive bid process, prior to a wider national implementation planned for next year.
It will be integrated with the NHS App and include a digital health questionnaire and a free home blood testing kit. Results will be automatically uploaded to the NHS App and linked to the patient’s GP record, with individuals directed to their GP only when further clinical assessment or treatment is necessary.
The council’s Public Health team will take a leading role in testing the digital solution and shaping the future of NHS Health Check Online.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by the Department for Health and Social Care to pilot this new initiative, which is designed to make it easier and more convenient for our residents to monitor their health through NHS Health Checks which can be completed anytime, anywhere.
“As a council, we have a strong record of partnership working to encourage eligible residents to have their NHS Health Check, with data showing we are one of the top performing areas in the country.
“But we want to make it even easier for everyone, and this pilot will provide early insights and valuable learning that will inform the national rollout, ensuring the service is effective, inclusive, and user friendly.
“It is important to stress that it is not intended that the online method will replace the fantastic existing NHS Health Check offer already available through GP practices. Instead, it will give eligible residents an alternative route to receive it from the comfort of their own home.”
