Free NHS health checks

Free NHS health checks in Croydon - don't miss out!

Did you know that you could be eligible for a FREE NHS health check if you live in Croydon? You might also be entitled to receive one if you don't live in Croydon but are registered with a doctor's surgery in the borough.

Who is eligible for an NHS health check?

Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74, who has not already been diagnosed with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease or high blood pressure may have a free NHS health check once every 5 years.

If you have one of these conditions you are not eligible for an NHS health check. You should already be receiving care and follow up at your doctor’s surgery or hospital outpatient clinic which will cover all the relevant aspects of the NHS health check, plus more specific, personalised care related to your condition.

If you are not sure if you are eligible for an NHS health check and would like one, contact any of the sites that offer NHS health checks in Croydon and they will go through some questions with you to check if you are eligible.

What is an NHS health check?

Everyone is at some risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and certain types of dementia. An NHS health check aims to help you lower your risk of developing these common but often preventable diseases.

Why do I need an NHS health check?

Everyone is at some risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and certain types of dementia. There are certain things that put people at even greater risk:

• Being overweight
• Lack of exercise / physical activity
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

We would like everyone who is eligible to have their free NHS health check - even those people who feel well. By identifying your risk early, you can take steps to improve your chance of living a healthier life.

What happens at my NHS health check?

You will be asked a few straightforward questions about your lifestyle and family medical history. Your height, weight and blood pressure will be measured and there is a finger-prick blood test to measure your cholesterol. You don't have to fast (stop eating) for this blood test. All your results are given to you in the appointment.

Your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease will be calculated and you will be given personalised advice on how to manage that risk - may be by changing your diet or being more active. You may be referred to local services such as stop smoking or physical activity services located across Croydon, to help you make any changes.

Depending on your results, you may be referred to your GP for further tests. Don't worry if you don't have a GP, the person undertaking the NHS health check can help you register with a doctor's surgery.

The NHS health check usually takes about 30 - 45 minutes

How and where can I have my NHS health check?

Even if you do not receive a letter, you can still arrange to have a FREE NHS health check done at any of the sites listed by contacting them for an appointment. When you phone to make an appointment, the site will ask a few questions to confirm your eligibility. 

What is risk?

Risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease means the chances or likelihood that this disease will develop at some point in life.

Chance or likelihood is seen when you toss a coin - there is a 50% chance of it landing on heads and 50% chance of it landing on tails.

When you have your free NHS health check risk will be explained in detail.

Contact us

If you have any queries please email CROCCG.healthchecks@nhs.net. A member of the NHS health check team at Public Health Croydon will respond to your enquiry.