21 Aug 2019
Government considering bringing in personalised health checks to the NHS
BY Tom Walker
Health and social care secretary Matt Hancock has launched a review into the NHS Health Check service, which will explore the possibility of introducing new, intelligent and predictive checks.
The review will seek to establish the benefits of more personalised checks, which would take into account individuals' age, genetic risk factors and their lifestyle.
Currently, the checks are offered to everyone aged between 40 and 74 to spot the early signs of major conditions that cause early death, including stroke, kidney disease, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The checks, however, do not take into consideration people’s individual risks or needs.
It is hoped that the review will highlight how lifestyle factors, such as being physically inactive, should be taken into account in the checks – and then acted on by GPs.
“Personalised, preventative healthcare is mission-critical to the future-fit healthcare service we want to build," Hancock said.
"We must harness the latest technology and techniques to move away from the one-size-fits-all approach of the past.
“The review we are announcing today will be an important step towards achieving that, helping us to find data-led, evidence-based ways to support people to spot, manage and prevent risks to their health through targeted intervention.”
Public Health Minister Jo Churchill added: "Our aim is to build a truly preventative, personalised and predictive health and care service through our NHS Long Term Plan to improve the health of the nation for years to come.”
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