Annual physical health checks

Healthy body. Healthy lifestyle. Healthy mind.

If you have a serious mental illness like psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or are taking mental health medication like lithium therapy or antipsychotic medicine, you can have a free annual physical health check. The health check includes:

Body Mass Index (BMI)
Waist measurement
Cholesterol
Blood glucose
Blood pressure
Smoking
Alcohol

Knowing what changes to make can lead to you living a healthier lifestyle. Contact your GP surgery to book your annual physical health check.

Who will do the check?

The purpose of the physical health check is to identify any early signs of diabetes, stroke or heart issues. It might be at your GP surgery from a GP, practice nurse, by your mental health team or another healthcare professional in a different setting. Your appointment should take roughly 45 minutes.

Will the clinician know about my mental health?

Before you have the health check and any tests, the doctor or nurse will ask you if you are happy to go ahead. If you consent, we will share your health information between your mental health team and GP. This is to make sure you get the right support if you need further care.

Can I bring someone I know with me?

If you feel anxious about having the physical health check, you should be allowed to bring someone to support you during your appointment. Additional venues may also be available.

What happens afterwards?

If you and your healthcare professional identify anything, they will talk to you about the next steps. Depending on where you live, we can help to signpost you to services and charities who can help you create new habits that work for you personally.

I’m ready to book an appointment – what now?

Contact your GP practice or your mental health team and request an appointment for your physical health check. If you are unable to attend for a health check please discuss other options for having this with your GP practice or mental health team.