Physical health checks for people with severe mental illness (SMI)
What is severe mental illness?
Severe Mental Illness (SMI) refers to a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or a history of psychosis.
People with SMI are at higher risk of diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, and obesity. But early action can help to stop these issues becoming more serious.
Free NHS annual physical health checks
If you have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and/or experience of psychosis, and you are aged 18 or over, you can benefit from a free annual health check at your GP practice once a year.
Talking to a doctor, nurse, or Access Facilitator, and having a few simple tests, can help with finding any health problems early. This means they can offer you the treatment or support you may need to stay well.
Some people need a little extra help to attend their physical health check. You can ask if your practice can provide:
- a longer appointment,
- having a carer, friend, or peer support worker with you,
- an appointment at the beginning or end of the day,
- a quiet place to wait if you find it hard to be in a busy waiting room,
- something else you need.
