Physical health checks for people with severe mental health conditions

If you have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or psychosis you are entitled to a free physical health check, which could prevent you from developing other serious illnesses.

During your health check the doctor or nurse will be able to look for any health problems, to help you get the treatment you need to stay well.

You can ask them questions about your health and tell them how you are feeling.

You can also talk about any treatment you are having or medicines you take.

Anyone aged 18 or over who has schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or psychosis - sometimes referred to a serious mental illnesses (SMI) - can have a free health check once a year.

If you are eligible, you should get a letter from your GP practice inviting you for a physical health check. 

You can also contact your GP practice to ask for an appointment if you have not received a letter.

A family member or friend can contact the surgery for you if you prefer.

If you are in regular contact with your mental health team, they can do the health check for you.

If you have not had your annual health check yet, contact the care co-ordinator in your mental health team and ask how to book an appointment.

It is up to you to decide if you want to have a physical health check, but these checks can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing.

Talking to a doctor or nurse and having a few simple tests helps them find any health problems early. This means they can give you the treatment or support you need to stay well.

You can ask the doctor or nurse for more information about the physical health check before you decide.

During your health check the doctor or nurse will be able to look for any health problems to help you get the treatment you need to stay well. You can ask them questions about your health and tell them how you are feeling.

You may also be able to get any vaccinations which you are due, including a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, or flu vaccine. Ask about vaccinations when you make your appointment.

Your appointment will take about 45 minutes. Before you have the health check and any tests, the doctor or nurse will check you are happy to go ahead.

The doctor or nurse will usually:

  • Do a physical check-up, including weight, heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Ask you to pee in a small pot so they can check it for signs of some health problems.
  • Talk to you about staying well and ask if you need any help with this.
  • Check how you are coping if you have a condition such as asthma or diabetes.
  • Talk to you about your medicines and ask if you have any side effects.
  • Give you a blood test.
  • Check if your vaccinations are up to date.
  • You can also talk about any other treatment you may be having.
  • Arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss your results and help create a health action plan.
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If you need any additional support

The NHS has to make it easy for everyone to use health services, including anyone who needs additional support. This is called making reasonable adjustments.

Tell your GP practice if you need any extra help, such as:

  • a longer appointment or having a carer, friend or peer support worker with you.
  • an appointment at the beginning or end of the day, or a quiet place to wait if you find it hard to be in a busy waiting room.
  • additional reassurance or support if you are afraid of needles and are having a blood test or vaccination.
  • a sign language service.
  • support getting to your appointment.
  • a home visit if you are unable to leave your home. 

If you need additional support, this will usually be written in a health profile or health action plan that the doctor or nurse can use.

Is it the same as the NHS Health Check

The physical health check for people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or psychosis is not the same as the NHS Health Check for all adults aged 40 to 74.

The standard NHS Health Check is done every five years and checks your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes and dementia.

Outreach service

The physical health checks outreach service is provided by The Calico Group in Lancashire and Spring North in South Cumbria with the support of various delivery partners. These providers work closely with primary care networks (PCNs) and general practices to identify people aged 18 and over on SMI registers who have not had a health check in the last three years.

Once these people have been identified, the providers will contact them to encourage them to take up their health check. Those who have not had a check for three or more years are prioritised.

Find out more about the service here: outreach service.

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