The NHS health check is for anyone aged 40 to 74 who does not have any pre-existing conditions.
Think of the check as a mid-life health MOT. The check takes around 45 minutes and you'll be given advice to help you achieve or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Even if you feel fine, you should still take up the offer of a health check. Some conditions like high blood pressure often have no symptoms, so you may not know you have them.
How to book your NHS health check
At a Medway pharmacy
Health checks are available at the following pharmacies in Medway.
Chatham:
- Delmergate pharmacy, 21 Shirley Avenue, Chatham, ME5 9UR, 01634 303 110.
Gillingham:
- Fenns Chemist, 33 to 35 Parkwood Green, Gillingham, ME8 9PW, 01634 235 880
- Medway Pharmacy, 465 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, ME7 5LJ, 01634 575 805
- Sturdee Avenue Pharmacy, 46 Sturdee Avenue, Gillingham, ME7 2HN, 01634 851 616.
Hoo:
- Hoo Pharmacy, 5 Main Road, Hoo, ME3 9DT, 01634 253 780.
Rochester:
- Bryant Road Pharmacy, 59 to 61 Bryant Road, Rochester, ME2 3EP, 01634 718 039
- Karsons Pharmacy, 69-71 City Way, Rochester, ME1 2BA, 01634 405 700
- Ryders Chemist, 130 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1JT, 01634 842 838.
Strood:
- Gun Lane Pharmacy, Gun Lane Medical Centre, Strood, ME2 4UW, 01634 724 397.
Please contact the pharmacy directly to book your check.
At the smokefree Advice Centre in Chatham or your GP surgery
You can book in the following ways:
- in person: at the Smokefree Advice Centre in Chatham or your GP surgery
- phone: 01634 335 830
- email: medwayhealthchecks@medway.gov.uk.
Your GP will usually send you a letter to invite you for your health check.
Request a call back about your health check
You can complete our request a call back form and we'll phone you back to book your check.
What happens at your NHS health check
Your NHS health check will be done by a healthcare professional.
The check takes about 20 to 30 minutes and
- body mass index (BMI)
- waist measurement
- pulse rate
- blood pressure test
- cholesterol test
- diabetes risk calculation
- alcohol and physical activity questionnaires
- cardiovascular disease risk score.
It's important to get a health check
As we get older, we have higher chances of having:
- heart disease
- stroke
- type 2 diabetes
- kidney disease.
Your NHS health check will spot any issues early and can stop things from becoming more serious.
Many age-related health problems can be dealt with by early diagnosis and making simple lifestyle changes.
During your check our friendly advisor will measure your risk and help you find ways to reduce it.
Julie, Health Improvement Coordinator
Many health conditions are symptomless and that’s why it’s really important to get this check."
Pre-existing conditions
You are not eligible for an NHS health check if you have:
- heart disease
- chronic kidney disease
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- atrial fibrillation
- transient ischaemic attack
- inherited high cholesterol
- heart failure
- peripheral arterial disease
- stroke
- been prescribed statins to lower cholesterol
- 20% or higher risk of cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years.