NHS Digital Health Check to be launched next spring
The government has confirmed it will nationally roll out a digital version of the NHS Health Check from spring 2024.
This could mean an extra one million checks are undertaken over four years, while at the same time, easing pressure on GPs.
However, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has yet to publish findings from a pilot scheme involving patients at three GP surgeries in Cornwall, but it said results from this would inform the rollout.
The digital version of the check will run alongside – rather than completely replace – the traditional scheme run from GP surgeries.
The Health Check is offered to all 40-74-year-olds every five years and usually involves visiting your GP surgery for a blood test and then going back again to see a GP or nurse when results come back, to discuss your risk of stroke, kidney disease and other conditions.
Under the digital version, people will:
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use a mobile phone, tablet or computer to complete an online questionnaire, enter height, weight and blood pressure measurements, and submit results of a blood test from a DIY sample kit sent to their home
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get online results that will direct them to personalised advice to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, as well as advice to stop smoking and weight management support where appropriate
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only be referred to a GP if further tests and treatment are needed.
The digital version could save the NHS 20 minutes per check, 'potentially freeing up hundreds of thousands of appointments in primary care and helping cut NHS waiting times’, said the DHSC.
