A warning has been issued over the effectiveness of an expansive NHS programme. Launched in 2009 under Labour, the NHS Health Check service is now facing scrutiny for its ability to foresee life-threatening illnesses including heart disease, kidney failure, diabetes and strokes over the next decade.
Designed for people aged between 40 to 74 with no known conditions, the NHS offers these health check-ups every five years. However, concerns have arisen about its success in engaging enough people to take up these free-of-charge health checks.
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The head of the the National Audit Office, Gareth Davies said: “Each year thousands of lives are lost to cardiovascular disease, with billions of pounds spent tackling it. Health Checks can play a crucial role in bringing these numbers down, but the system isn’t working effectively.”
The report by NAO is putting a spotlight on the issues seen in the creation of invites for health checks, while pointing out not everyone goes to their appointments. It states: “Health professionals will tell the patient their level of risk, and depending on that risk, discuss options such as weight management.”, reports Birmingham Live.
According to the Express, “This could include referrals to local authorities or NHS services or individual behaviour changes, as well as clinical interventions such as medication to lower cholesterol. If you’re eligible and you think you qualify but haven’t been invited, the NHS recommends contacting your GP surgery to ask about getting an NHS Health Check.”
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