The number of people accepting the offer to attend an NHS Health Check has increased significantly, according to new figures from Public Health England (PHE). The figures show that, in the last year, over 1.3 million people have accepted the offer which aims to identify those at risk of serious, but potentially avoidable conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Out of the eligible population, 2,824,726 people across all 152 local authorities in England were offered, and 1,382,864 people have had, an NHS Health Check between April 2013 and April 2014, a 9.5% increase compared to the previous year. This is the largest number of appointments offered and received since the programme started in April 2009, being the first annual results since local authorities took on responsibility for the programme in April 2013.
Professor Kevin Fenton, director of health and wellbeing at Public Health England, said: “It’s extremely encouraging to see more people than ever before are taking up the offer, but we want to do better.With such a huge burden of disease associated with potentially avoidable conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, the NHS Health Check presents a real opportunity for individuals to take steps earlier, and through modifications in behaviour and lifestyle, reduce their risk.
“The success of the programme this year is testament to the dedicated collaborative work of local authorities and the NHS. In order to maximise the benefits to public health it is essential that we continue increasing the impact of the programme. There are still variations across England in the number of people taking up this offer and we will continue to work with, and support, local action, ensuring the programme is accessible and benefiting those that need it across the country.”
Katie Hall, chair of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board said: “One of the long-standing concerns of councils is that people who are most at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and dementia are often least likely to take up the offer of an NHS Health Check. Councils working in partnership with local GPs and pharmacies has led to a marked increase in take up, especially among socio-economically deprived communities, by organising opportunities in supermarkets, neighbourhood events and away from traditional health settings.
“The key issue for local authorities will be making sure that, as well as improving the uptake for those who would most benefit, individuals have access to information and services that can support them to reduce their risks. This includes better information on where, and how, to get support for healthy diet and weight management, smoking cessation programmes and access to leisure services and green spaces.”
