If you have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or psychosis, we will invite you to have an annual health check.

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.

You may be able to get a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, COVID-19 booster or flu vaccine when you have your health check. Ask about vaccinations when you make your appointment.

Who can have an annual physical health check?

Anyone aged 18 or over who has schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or psychosis can have a free physical health assessment once a year.

How to get an appointment?

If you are eligible, we will contact you and invite you to make an appointment for an annual health check.

You can contact us to ask for an appointment if you have not received a message or letter inviting you. A family member or friend can contact us for you if you prefer.

If you're 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.

How having an annual health check can help?

It is up to you to decide if you want to have an annual 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 us find any health problems early. This means we can give you the treatment or support you need to stay well.

Find out more about severe mental illness and physical health checks on the Rethink Mental Illness website

What happens during the annual health check?

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
• ask you to have a blood test
• talk to you about staying well and ask if you need any help with this
• talk to you about your medicines and ask if you have any side effects
• check if your vaccinations are up to date
• check how you are coping if you have a condition such as asthma or diabetes

They will also ask if you are OK (give your consent) to share your health information with other health services, such as your mental health team. This is to make sure you get the right support if you need further care.

The doctor or nurse can also give you health information, such as advice on healthy eating, exercise, alcohol or stopping smoking.

We may offer you a follow-up appointment to give you further information and support. This can help you improve your health and wellbeing, and manage any health conditions you may have.

 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 us 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 vaccine
• a sign-language service
• transport if you need help getting to the surgery
• 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 this health assessment the same as the NHS Health Check?

This annual 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.

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