Annual physical health checks

We would like to make these health checks the best possible experience for those that require them, whether you have attended an annual physical health check or not.

What we heard

Please see below list of further actions we are planning as a result of the insights gained and decisions made:

• There is a lack of general awareness and understanding of the annual health checks - We are planning to update our communications about the physical health checks including a webpage and leaflet which will be shared wider with the public to raise awareness. We intend to do this through co-production with people with lived experience. We will also explore the use of social media in our communications to increase awareness
• People want a flexible choice of appointment time and early reminders - We will work with providers to ensure a choice of appointment times is offered and that there is a reliable appointment reminder system is in place.
• One person mentioned having a bus attend local community groups and providing health checks - We are looking into the possibility of drop-in days in a community setting including access to other health services.
• Some people need additional support to book appointments - While our physical health check providers already offer home visits and other support to attend a health check, we plan to improve information about what support is available through our communications. We are also looking at models from other areas in the country that offer additional support workers or peer support mentors to help people engage with their health check.
• Some people experience challenges with accessing care through GP practices - We recognise that GP practices are under pressure with increasing demand and across Kent and Medway we have four health care providers supporting practices to deliver annual physical health checks. We will also continue to provide information and support to practices to complete physical health checks and explore additional training that can be offered to practice staff.

Thank you to everyone that responded to our survey. Your feedback has helped us towards improving our services and ensuring more people are supported to have their health check and we've published a new webpage on the Mental Wellbeing Information Hub: Annual physical health checks | ICS

If you are interested in helping us further with this work by talking to one of our team about your experiences, please contact us at  kmicb.mentalhealth@nhs.net