Lambeth research highlights benefits of NHS Health Checks
New research using Lambeth health data suggests that NHS Health Checks could help people live longer by identifying health problems early and supporting people to get the care they need.
What the research found
The study, published in the British Journal of General Practice, followed more than 158,000 Lambeth residents over a 15-year period. Researchers found that people who attended at least one NHS Health Check were significantly less likely to die during the study period than those who did not attend. The benefits were seen across all ethnic groups and levels of deprivation.
The findings are important because they come from one of the country’s most diverse urban populations. Much of the existing research on NHS Health Checks has focused on less deprived and predominantly White populations. Drawing on anonymised NHS data from Lambeth, the study helps build a clearer picture of how NHS Health Checks work in a diverse community.
Why NHS Health Checks matter
NHS Health Checks are offered to adults aged 40 to 74 who do not already have certain long-term conditions. They can help identify early signs of problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease, often before people notice symptoms themselves.
Finding these issues earlier means people can get advice, support or treatment that may help prevent more serious health problems in the future.
If you’re aged 40 to 74 and eligible for an NHS Health Check, you’ll usually be invited by your GP practice every five years. The free appointment takes around 20 to 30 minutes and includes checks such as blood pressure, weight and cholesterol. If you think you’re eligible but have not received an invitation, contact your GP practice.
Helping people stay healthy for longer
The research supports the aims of Lambeth Together’s Staying Healthy programme, which focuses on preventing illness, identifying risks earlier, and helping residents live healthier, more independent lives.
The study also highlights an opportunity for more residents to benefit. Only around one in four eligible Lambeth residents attended an NHS Health Check during the study period.
The analysis was undertaken by Lambeth Council’s Public Health team in partnership with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, with support from Lambeth’s Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC). The findings show how evidence generated in Lambeth can help answer important questions about improving health and reducing inequalities, both locally and nationally.
Ruth Hutt, Director for Public Health with Lambeth Council, said:
“While this study provides further evidence of the benefits of the NHS Health Check programme, we want these benefits to be enjoyed by more people. Our ambition is to enable all our residents to stay healthier for longer, and for Lambeth to be one of the healthiest places to live.”
Kim Nurse, Lambeth GP and Clinical Care and Professional Lead for Lambeth Together Staying Healthy programme, said:
“The NHS Health Check can help with early detection of risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and associated conditions including dementia, and enables people to take action early to reduce those risks. I’d urge anyone in the 40+ age group who hasn’t had their health check to book an appointment with their GP practice.”
Find out more
Find out more about Lambeth Together
https://www.lambethtogether.net/about-us/