NHS Health Checks

Why do I need an NHS Health Check? I feel fine!

If you are aged between 40 and 74, you will receive an invitation to have an NHS Health Check. It’s FREE and simple and could save your life! The check takes around 30 minutes and you’ll be given advice on how to help you achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you’re not eligible for a full NHS Health Check, ask for an on-the-spot health MOT instead. Even if you feel fine, it’s better to know for sure.

Even if you feel great, you should take up the offer of your free NHS Health Check. Some conditions, such as high blood pressure, often don’t have any symptoms, so you may not know that you have them.

What happens at a health check?

Your blood pressure will be checked along with your height and weight, and you will be given a small finger prick test to check your blood cholesterol. You’ll also be asked some questions about your current lifestyle and family history. The check will let you know if you are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, kidney disease or diabetes in the future. It can’t tell you if you already have these conditions. You can discuss the results and get personalised advice and lifestyle support. You may be asked to see your GP to discuss the results.

Where can I get one?

Most people will get an invite from their GP and will book in with the practice nurse or another healthcare professional at the surgery. However, some people may not be offered this service by the practice, or might want to have a check somewhere more convenient to them. We offer temporary clinics in places where people live and work, so you might be able to get one while out shopping, or at your local Gateway or library, for example. Some pharmacies also offer NHS Health Checks.

Here's where you can have an NHS health check or health MOT in the next few weeks, find more details on our Facebook page:

• Monday, 25 March, 10am to 3pm, Freedom Leisure, Maidstone
• Monday, 25 March, 10am to 3pm, Asda, Folkestone
• Tuesday, 26 March, 10am to 3pm, Millmead Children Centre, Margate
• Wednesday, 27 March, 10am to 3pm, Morrisons, Sittingbourne
• Thursday, 28 March, 10am to 3pm, Ramsgate Leisure Centre, Ramsgate
• Tuesday, 2 April, 10am to 3pm, Dover Leisure Centre, Dover
• Tuesday, 2 April, 10am to 3pm, Hartsdown Leisure Centre, Margate
• Wednesday, 3 April, 10am to 3pm, Angel Centre, Tonbridge
• Tuesday, 4 April, 10am to 3pm, Morrisons, Isle of Sheppey
• Friday, 5 April, 10am to 3pm, White Oak Leisure Centre, Swanley
• Tuesday, 9 April, 10am to 2pm, Hermitage Park Community Centre, Aylesford
• Tuesday, 9 April, 10am to 2pm, Ashford Farmers Market
• Wednesday, 10 April, 10am to 3pm, Asda, Canterbury
• Friday, 12 April, 10am to 2pm, Dartford train station
• Tuesday, 16 April, 10am to 3pm, Tenterden Leisure Centre
• Wednesday, 17 April, 10am to 3pm, Francis Church, Ashford
• Friday, 19 April, 10am to 3pm, County Square, Ashford
• Wednesday, 24 April, 10am to 3pm, The Vine Church, Maidstone
• Wednesday, 24 April, 10am to 1pm, Abbey Physic Community Garden, Faversham
• Wednesday, 24 April, 9am to 5pm, Romney Marsh Community Hub, New Romney (please call the centre directly to book for this session, on 01797363888)
• Friday 26 April, 10am to 3pm, Gravesham Civic Centre, Gravesend.

Pharmacies

You can find details of local pharmacies that offer health checks using the map below. You will need to call the pharmacy direct to book an appointment.