This report outlines the findings of our independent evaluation of the NHS Health Check programme, exploring local residents’ awareness, experiences and perceptions of the service.
We were asked to undertake this evaluation by Norfolk County Council’s Public Health team, so they can better understand how to shape the service for the future.
The NHS Health Check is a preventative programme providing a free check-up of the health of your heart and blood vessels, offered every five years to adults aged 40-74. It’s designed to identify early risk factors for conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, and to support behaviour change and early intervention.
This evaluation builds upon a previous Healthwatch Norfolk report published in 2023.
We found that most people valued the NHS Health Checks service, reporting positive experiences at their appointments. Many said it improved their understanding of their health, provided reassurance, and helped them identify ways to reduce future health risks. The majority said they would attend another health check if invited.
However, awareness and understanding remains a challenge, with a number of respondents saying they are still unclear about what an NHS Health Check is designed to do. There was also confusion about eligibility and what actually counts as an NHS Health Check.
Most people knew NHS Health Checks could be accessed through GP surgeries, but awareness of other locations such as pharmacies, community venues and leisure centres was limited. Experiences of advice and follow-up also varied, with some saying they received useful lifestyle advice and support, while others felt the information was too general.
Based on our findings we have made the following recommendations:
- Continue to implement an improved communications campaign
- More invitation and varied invitation methods
- Review the name and messaging of the programme
- Better communication about eligibility
- Better communication about where people can go to get help before their next check
