NHS Health Checks

Why do I need an NHS Health Check? I feel fine!

If you are aged between 40 and 74, you will receive an invitation to have an NHS Health Check. It’s FREE and simple and could save your life! The check takes around 30 minutes and you’ll be given advice on how to help you achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you’re not eligible for a full NHS Health Check, ask for an on-the-spot health MOT instead. Even if you feel fine, it’s better to know for sure.

Even if you feel great, you should take up the offer of your free NHS Health Check. Some conditions, such as high blood pressure, often don’t have any symptoms, so you may not know that you have them.

What happens at a health check?

Your blood pressure will be checked along with your height and weight, and you will be given a small finger prick test to check your blood cholesterol. You’ll also be asked some questions about your current lifestyle and family history. The check will let you know if you are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, kidney disease or diabetes in the future. It can’t tell you if you already have these conditions. You can discuss the results and get personalised advice and lifestyle support. You may be asked to see your GP to discuss the results.

Where can I get a health check or MOT?

Most people will get an invite from their GP and will book in with the practice nurse or another healthcare professional at the surgery. However, some people may not be offered this service by their GP, or might want to have a check somewhere more convenient to them.

We have regular Health Check clinics across Kent. To find out where these are and to book an appointment call 0300 1231220.

We also offer health check events in supermarkets, high streets, pubs and other community venues. You can find upcoming events below and more information on our Facebook page:

• Wednesday 23 October, 10.30am to 2pm, The Parish Rooms, Ashford
• Thursday 24 October, 10am to 3pm, Public Health bus, St James Retail and Leisure Park, Dover
• Friday 25 October, 9am to 5pm, Gravesham Civic Centre*
• Monday 4 November, 10am to 3pm Ramsgate Leisure Centre
• Tuesday 5 November, 10am to 3pm, Ashford Cattle Market
• Tuesday 5 November, 10am to 3pm, Dover Leisure Centre
• Wednesday 6 November, 10am to 3pm, Hartsdown Leisure Centre, Margate
• Thursday 7 November, 10am to 3pm, White Oak Leisure Centre, Swanley
• Friday 8 November, 10am to 3pm, Bouverie Place, Folkestone
• Friday 15 November, 10am to 3pm, Waitrose Supermarket, Ashford
• Saturday 16 November, 10am to 5pm, Sittingbourne High Street
• Monday 18 November, 10am to 3pm, Old Mill Village, Brabazon Rd, Eastchurch, Sheerness
• Thursday 21 November, 9.30 to 11.30am, One Swale Road Show, Sittingbourne
• Thursday 21 November, 10am to 2pm, Eat Well Spend Less, Repton Connect, Ashford
• Monday 25 November, 10am to 3pm Asda, Canterbury
• Wednesday 27 November, 10am to 1pm, Winter Well Event, South Kent Community Church, Folkestone
• Wednesday 27 November, 10am to 3pm, Seasonal Safety Shop, St. Georges Shopping Centre, Gravesend
• Wednesday 27 November, 10am to 3pm, County Square, Ashford
• Saturday 30 November, 10am to 2pm Winter Well event, Landmark Centre, Deal

Phone 0300 123 1220 to book for the event on the 25 October, all other events are drop-in with no booking required.

Pharmacies

You can find details of local pharmacies that offer health checks using the map below. You will need to call the pharmacy direct to book an appointment.