What does the check involve?
- When you arrived you will be asked your name, date of Birth, GP or doctor’s name, ethnicity, and postcode.
- If you know your NHS number, please bring it with you, but it is not essential.
- You do not have to be registered with a GP to have your NHS health check.
- Checks are carried out by NHS nurses from the Meet PEET team, Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Your weight and height will be taken to calculate your BMI.
Blood pressure test
- Your blood pressure will be taken using a cuff fitted over your upper arm.
- The cuff is filled with air until it feels tight. This can feel uncomfortable but it only lasts a few seconds. It’s important to relax and not talk during this time, because this is when your blood pressure is measured.
- An automatic device picks up the measurements from sensors in the arm cuff, which are sent to a digital display.
- You will get the results straight away.
Cholesterol and blood sugar test
- You will have a small sample of blood taken from your finger (finger prick) to check your cholesterol level and your blood sugar level.
- You will get the results straight away.
Wellbeing
- We will discuss your lifestyle, exercise, diet, and alcohol use, and these results will be used to support and direct you to services where you will be able to find further support.
- We will talk about your mental health and any other issues impacting on your wellbeing.
- Please use this time to ask any questions you have.
Results
- Your results will be written on a record for you to keep safe and show any appropriate healthcare professional.
- Your results will also be sent automatically to your GP if you are registered with one. If you would like to register, then we can help you to do that. You have the right to withdraw consent – this will mean that your GP will not have access to your health check information.
- You will be advised on the next steps to take depending on your results.
Eligibility
People at risk of developing cardiovascular conditions are a priority for this project. You are eligible for a health check if you:
- Are aged 18 years or over.
- Live in Reading.
- Have not have had an NHS health check in the last 2 years.
- Are not currently receiving treatment from a doctor for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke or chronic kidney disease
- Are not currently being prescribed statins.
If you have any questions
- You can call our friendly helpline on 0118 304 8841.
- Spoken translation is available when you call.
