Physical Health Checks for people with severe mental illness

Section 1: What is a Physical Health Check?

A Physical Health Check is for someone with a severe mental illness.

Man holding a card saying Serve Mental Illness (SMI)

This could be things like schizophrenia, bipolar, psychosis or severe depression amongst others.

A physical health check is usually done by a healthcare professional once a year.

You can get a Physical Health Check if you are aged 18 or over.

heart and stethoscope depicting My Physical Health

The check is done to maintain your physical health, alongside your mental health.

Your annual Physical Health Check can lead to better health and improve your overall quality of life.

Why is it good to have a Physical Health Check?

You can talk to a health professional about anything concerning your physical health.

Male doctor checking a male patient with stethoscope

The check is an opportunity to address any physical health issues you may have.

It allows you to be more informed about your own physical health.

Section 2: What happens at a Physical Health Check?

Hospital worker standing next to tick boxes

The health professional will:

Measure your blood pressure

Measure your weight and height

Ask questions about your lifestyle.

For example, whether you smoke or drink alcohol, and if so how much.

Arrange a blood glucose test. This is to test your blood sugar levels.

This may be offered to you during the Health Check.

hospital worker extracting a blood sample from patient

Arrange a cholesterol check through a blood test.

Too much cholesterol can be bad for your health.

This may be offered to you during the Health Check.

Tablet box saying Medicines, 5mg tablets

Ask you about any medications you are taking.

Nurse speaking to female patient with clipboard

Give advice for healthy living.

male patient taking to female about the blood test part of the Health Check.

Talk to you about the blood test part of the Health Check.

Section 3. The blood test part of the Physical Health Check

Your GP practice will ask you to book a blood test when they invite you for your Physical Health Check.

two pictures side by side depicting a blood test and health check

Try to get the blood test done one week before your Health Check if possible.

Why do I need to get a blood test?

Your blood will be tested for any health concerns.

female health worker and female patients going through paperwork

The results will help the health professional see how healthy you are.

Your health professional can only get this information through this blood test.

Female doctor point to the words prevent, detect and manage

This is important to help prevent, detect and manage common physical health problems as people with a Severe Mental Health illness are at a higher risk

man wearing a t-shirt with an exclamation mark

How do I get a blood test?

smiling female health worker on telephone

Your healthcare professional will tell you how to book a blood test when they invite you for your Health Check.

You can choose where to have it done.

There are lots of places to choose from.

You can speak to someone at your GP surgery to find out if there are other places.

Click here for a list of places locally

The doctor or nurse will give you a form.

You should bring this form with you to the blood test.

The form has a phone number you can call to book your test.

The form also has a website link if you prefer to book your test online.

male patient having a blood test performed by female health worker

What happens during a blood test?

5 min and 10 min depicted by two stopwatches

The test will take between 5 to 10 minutes.

man having arm cleaned by female health worker before a blood test

Your arm will be cleaned before it starts.

Needle being inserted into arm for a blood test

A needle will be used to take blood from your arm.

female health care worker shaking hands with male patient who is accompanied by a female

You can bring someone with you for support if you’re anxious or don’t like needles.

Section 4. What happens after a Physical Health Check?

four tick boxes with the words results and next steps

Together with a healthcare professional, you will talk about the results and agree next steps.

Things like:

female health care worker on the phone to male patient for a NHS referral

Referrals to other services.

For example, stop smoking or weight management services.

Talking about personal physical health goals.

Four people outdoors holding colourful fitness and wellness icons

Getting help and support to be more healthy.

Female patient sitting on examining table taking to female health worker

Helping you to set goals for the future and supporting you with any worries or concerns.

Reminding you to make an appointment for another check in 12 months’ time.

Helpful tips icon with the lightbulb symbol

Helpful tips for your Physical Health Check

Person looking confused beside a question mark icon

Ask the health professional to explain anything you do not understand.

Agree with the health professional what the next steps are.

Think of a Physical Health Check as an MOT and expect to have one every year.

The information in this booklet was adapted from an original written by The Race Equality Foundation and Lewisham Speaking Up.

This document has been co-produced with: Hannah Burton, Lucy Carter, Kehinde Adeniji, Rosie Williams, Tina Starling, Kristen Hall and Reg Rehal.

Members of the Thinklusive Advisory Group have also helped to make this easy-read information.

For more information:

Visit the NHS website: Annual health check for people with severe mental
health conditions
Visit our website: www.essex.icb.nhs.uk

Email:: [email protected]

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