Cornwall is the first area in England to trial a digital face-to-face health check scheme aimed at reducing pressure on GPs.
The trial, which is part of the Government’s plans to digitalise NHS Health Check, will see patients complete an online questionnaire, use a kit to take a blood sample at home, and complete a blood pressure check at their local pharmacy or in their GP’s waiting room.
The NHS Health Check is a health check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74. It’s designed to prevent stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of dementia.
They are currently delivered through face-to-face appointments with GPs. However, the new digital scheme could see patients carrying out parts of the check-up themselves.
More than 2,000 people from three GP surgeries across Cornwall are being invited to take part in the trial.
Cllr Dr Andy Virr, portfolio holder for Adults and Public Health at Cornwall Council, said: ‘It is great news that this important trial involving innovative use of technology is being carried out in Cornwall and I would encourage all those invited to take part to do so.
‘We know there are avoidable differences in people’s health across our communities and cardiovascular disease still has a big impact on people in Cornwall.
‘So by making health checks like this easier to access and more convenient we can hopefully prevent more serious illnesses and identify people who may be at risk of stroke or heart attack earlier.’
Minister for public health Neil O’Brien said: ‘During the pandemic people got used to doing tests at home and getting their results online, so this trial is an opportunity for us to apply some of the lessons we learnt during COVID and improve the way we deliver healthcare.
‘I urge everyone invited to take part in the trial so we can get the best possible data as we look to roll out a national digital check.’
