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. Get the lowdown from Sam Scott, Health Checks Project Manager, about NHS Health Checks and why having one could save your life on our podcast.

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, 18 December, 10am to 2pm, JD Wetherspoon, Ashford
• Thursday, 2 January, 10am to 3pm, Tides Leisure Centre, Deal
• Friday, 3 January, 10am to 3pm, Stour Leisure Centre, Ashford
• Monday, 6 January, 10am to 3pm, Sheppey Leisure Centre, Sheerness
• Tuesday, 7 January, 10am to 3pm, Ramsgate Leisure Centre
• Tuesday, 7 January, 10am to 3pm, Swallows Leisure Centre, Sittingbourne
• Wednesday, 8 January, 10am to 3pm, Dover Leisure Centre
• Friday, 10 January, 10am to 3pm, Angel Centre, Tonbridge
• Sunday, 12 January, 10am to 2pm, Herne Bay Market
• Monday, 13 January, 10am to 3pm, Hartsdown Leisure Centre, Margate
• Monday, 13 January, 10am to 3pm, Freedom Leisure Centre, Maidstone
• Tuesday, 14 January, 10am to 2pm, Ashford Farmers Market
• Wednesday, 15 January, 10am to 3pm, Blue Wave Leisure Centre, Margate
• Thursday, 16 January, 10am to 3pm, Sevenoaks Leisure Centre
• Friday, 17 January, 10am to 3pm, White Oak Leisure Centre, Swanley
• Monday, 20 January, 10am to 3pm, Tenterden Leisure Centre
• Tuesday, 21 January, 10am to 3pm, Edenbridge Leisure Centre
• Tuesday, 21 January, 10am to 3pm, Meopham Leisure Centre, Gravesend
• Tuesday, 21 January, 10am to 3pm, Eat Well Spend Less, Ashford
• Wednesday, 22 January, 10am to 3pm, Sainsburys, New Romney
• Thursday, 23 January, 10am to 3pm, Mote Park Leisure Centre, Maidstone
• Friday, 24 January, 10am to 3pm, Julie Rose Stadium, Ashford
• Monday, 27 January, 10am to 3pm, Fairfield Leisure Centre, Dartford.

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.