NHS health checks in Oxfordshire now available in more locations
It is easier than ever for people aged 40 to 74 to get a free NHS health check, with the service now available in even more locations.
Health Checks Oxfordshire is now providing free NHS health checks on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council at convenient community-based locations across the county, including libraries. This is in support of existing GP practice provision, making it easier than ever to get one.
An NHS health check can lower a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and (certain types of) dementia.
Councillor Mark Lygo, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equalities, said: “A council-funded NHS health check is a quick and easy way to get an overview of a person's heart health. It can help to determine if there are some simple things somebody could be doing to improve their long-term health and wellbeing.
“This new option to get one with an expert health coach outside of a GP practice setting at locations across the county will make it easier than ever for people in Oxfordshire to get theirs.
“These checks are no different to what's provided by a GP practice and helps to uncover any potential health issues and tackle them before they become serious.”
Ian Hiscock, Operational Manager for Health Checks Oxfordshire, said: “We're proud to be part of Oxfordshire’s drive to empower people to live well for longer by providing a free NHS Health Checks service in the community to reduce the pressure on GP practices.
“Health checks are crucial in preventing and identifying potentially life-threatening conditions. By making health checks easier to access in convenient community locations we hope to prevent more serious illnesses and identify people who may be at risk of stroke or heart attack earlier.
“Our expert health coaches will be delivering the health checks and are able to provide support and advice to help people make lifestyles changes to help them live well for longer.”
NHS health checks are funded by Oxfordshire County Council’s public health team, which exists to improve the health of local people and protect them from preventable health issues – helping local residents live safe and healthy lives and play an active role in their communities.
Everyone eligible, aged 40 to 74 in England, will be invited for a free NHS health check once every five years (apart from those already seeing their GP for certain conditions).
A health check will take around 30 minutes:
- You will be asked some simple questions about your family history, whether or not you smoke and how much alcohol you drink.
- Your height, weight, sex, ethnicity and age will be recorded.
- Your blood pressure and pulse will be taken.
- A simple blood test will check your cholesterol level.
- Your body mass index (BMI) will be calculated. BMI is a measure of whether you're a healthy weight for your height.
- Your level of risk of developing certain conditions (i.e. stroke, kidney and heart disease, type 2 diabetes and types of dementia) will be calculated.
- You will be given personalised lifestyle advice to help you live a longer, healthier life.
Find out more about free NHS health checks in Oxfordshire by visiting the health check website.
Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates thanks to our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.