The Government has announced that a new digital NHS health check will be rolled out in England from next spring. The current face-to-face NHS health check for adults in England aged 40 to 74 years old, which is largely delivered through GP surgeries, can help spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or dementia. From spring 2024 the new digital check will operate alongside the existing in-person NHS health check to offer more availability and ease pressure on GP surgeries.
Patients will be able to access the digital health check via a mobile phone, tablet or computer. They will complete an online questionnaire, entering their height, weight and blood pressure measurements, and the results of a blood test. The results will be available online and direct people 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. Referrals to GPs will only be made if further tests and treatment are needed.