As part of delivering on the vision described in the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health report, we are continuing to invite and encourage eligible mental health patients* to have their annual physical health checks.
These checks are designed to spot early signs of health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease which are all conditions that can be improved, or even prevented, with simple lifestyle changes.
What happens at the check?
The annual health check involves a finger prick blood test, and a weight and blood pressure check.
You will also be asked some questions about your lifestyle and medical history to build up an overall picture of your physical health. The lifestyle questions we ask cover topics such as exercise, diet, smoking and drinking.
The aim is to work with you to either help you make self-improvements or to advise and signpost you to services that are available to support you.
There are four organisations carrying out these checks in different areas of Kent and Medway. They will contact you to invite you to an appointment.
* Current eligibility is for people diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder or other psychosis, or who take anti-psychotic medication.