We recognise that things in your day to day life can affect your health so an Enhanced Health Check gives us the opportunity to have a chat to understand if that is the case with you and if we can do anything to help.
As well as mirroring the standard NHS Health Check approach which helps to prevent and detect heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, and other conditions that we become more at risk of developing with age, the Enhanced Health Check incorporates a focus on the wider determinants of health and links closely with social prescribing and VCFSE (voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise) organisations to provide people with holistic support and advice to that addresses physical health, mental health and overall wellbeing.
The aim of the Enhanced Health Check programme is to reduce health inequalities within groups who statistically experience poorer health outcomes.
Across Lancashire and South Cumbria though there are some residents who qualify for the standard NHS Health Check (those aged 40 - 74 with no known health conditions), and who we believe would benefit from further support, which is why they are being offered an Enhanced Health Check.
To begin with, the Lancashire & South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (LSCICB) is focusing on people aged between 40 - 74 with mental health issues or those who live in an area where a lot of people are socially vulnerable (for example those who live in poverty, have lack of access to transportation, or live in crowded housing).
The EHC will consist of some questions about your mental and physical wellbeing, your lifestyle and other key factors that can affect your health such as food availability and your current housing security. It will also take some screening measurements such as your height and weight, as well as further tests such as blood pressure and a blood test. You may also be offered vaccinations where needed.
Much like the standard NHS Health Check, you will then receive personalised advice and signposting or referral into appropriate services.
Across both of our GP practices, you will be booked in to see one of the Practice Nurses at your GP. You can ask the receptionist when making the appointment if you would like to know their name prior to your appointment.
If you still meet the eligibility set out by Lancashire & South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (LSCICB) for an Enhanced Health Check, this is likely to be every five years.