Patients to be offered digital health checks

The trial is part of the government's plan to increase uptake of NHS Health Checks

Patients at a GP practice in Wolverhampton will be the first in the city to be invited to test online NHS health checks.

Selected patients at Whitmore Reans Medical practice will be able to complete the digital checks before a face-to-face appointment with their GP that enable them to give a blood sample and have a blood pressure check.

In some cases, people will be sent kits to take a blood sample at home.

The council said the online checks gave residents the opportunity to complete much of their regular "health MOT" from home.

The trial is part of the government's plan to increase uptake of NHS Health Checks, which are designed to prevent stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of dementia.

'Spot early problems'

The checks are available every five years to adults aged between 40 and 74.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal said: "The NHS Health Check is a bit like a mid-life MOT and can help prevent you from developing various health conditions by spotting any early signs of problems and making lifestyle changes.

"We are pleased to be part of this trial, which will give some of our residents the chance to complete much of their NHS Health Check from the comfort of their own home."

As part of the trial, eligible residents may receive an invitation via SMS or email from their GP practice to complete much of their NHS Health Check online.

Everyone else will continue to be offered an in person NHS Health Check in the usual way.

Ms Jaspal added: "We think this will prove popular by people who are time poor or, for whatever reason, are unlikely to attend a face to face health check with their GP. It will also help to free up GP time for more urgent appointments."