Analysis of the latest OHID data from Broadstone, a leading independent consultancy, uncovers the downward trend of adults attending NHS Health Checks, despite the deteriorating state of the NHS and the nation’s wellbeing.
 
In 2013/14, 1.4 million people out of an invited 2.8 million adults attended a Health Check, accounting for nearly half (49%) of those invited. By 2022/23 that number had fallen to just 38% - or 1.1 million - of invitees, meaning around 1.8 million people failed to get their Health Check through the year.
 
On a quarterly basis, the disappointing take up of Health Checks continued in the first half of 2023/24 as over 1.1 million eligible adults – out of the 1.8 million invitees – failed to attend an appointment with the proportion attending remaining at 38%.
 
NHS Health Checks are a free check-up of general health which should be offered by a GP or local council every 5 years to those aged 40-74 with no pre-existing health conditions. They play a vital role in identifying those at risk of suffering serious health conditions such as heart disease or stroke.
 
Emily Jones, Client Consulting Director at Broadstone, said: “NHS Health Checks are a crucial early defence system to prevent and treat serious health problems as people age. They help people understand whether they may be at higher risk of certain health conditions as well as offering practical advice to bring these risks down.
 
“However, we are seeing dwindling numbers taking up invitations for NHS Health Checks whether due to being time poor, struggling to contact their local GP practice, lack of awareness about the benefits of attending or simply worries about what the results might be.”
 
Data from the ONS this year has uncovered the difficulty many patients face contacting their GP. Nearly four in 10 (39%) of those who tried to get in touch with their family doctor in the past month struggled to make contact. With over 25 million people trying to contact their GP for themselves or a loved one every month, it is the equivalent of around 9.8 million people having trouble when they try to arrange a standard appointment with a doctor.