Are you a carer? You may not think of yourself as a carer. A carer is anyone, including children and adults who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.

The carers health check is the same as the NHS Health Check but is about looking after you as a Carer. It will focus on your own health and wellbeing and whether there are any areas you need support with. It is a chance to talk about your concerns and hopes for the future. The check covers the questions which Carers have told us are important.

You should have an annual carers check, please either book your own appointment via “myGP” or send us a message using our online form on this website, or telephone one of our receptionists who will be happy to help you.

Primary care staff have a critical role to play in helping people with mental health problems to improve their physical health. Research tells us physical health and mental health are directly linked and indicates that the physical health of people with a severe mental health problem can be poor.

We know that those with serious mental health can have a reduced life expectancy and have an increased risk of developing serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity.

Facts
People with a severe mental illness face a greater risk of developing physical illnesses. They are:
• 2-4 times as likely to develop cardiovascular disease
• 2-4 times more at risk of developing a respiratory disease
• 2 times more at risk of developing bowel cancer
• 5 times more at risk of developing diabetes
• A person with schizophrenia can expect to live for 16- 20 years less than someone without a
mental health problem.
Forty percent of people with mental illness smoke, compared with 17% of the general population
Smoking kills 96,000 people every year in the UK
Cancer of the testicles accounts for only 1% of all cancers in men however, it is the most common type of
cancer within males ages 16-35
Prostate cancer is the most common in men over 40,000 new ceases every year.
27% of all cancer deaths are caused by smoking.

Practice Process

All patients with serious mental health issues will be invited for an annual health check with our Health Care Assistants, you should either make an appointment by telephone, via “MYGP” or with an online request. You will be booked in a 30 minute appointment where you will be asked to share information about your lifestyle, you will have your height and weight measured along with your blood pressure. Some blood tests are needed to ensure you are in good health.

Structured Medicine Reviews (SMRs) are an evidence-based and comprehensive review of a patient’s medication, taking into consideration all aspects of their health. In a structured medication review clinicians and patients work as equal partners to understand the balance between the benefits and risks of and alternatives of taking medicines.

We have appointments available with our pharmacists for patients to have a structured medication review, your medication should be reviewed at least annually. Our pharmacists may contact you to review your medication with you.

There will also be available appointments in GP+ Enhanced Access for patients to book in the evenings and weekends.

Living with a Long-term Condition. A long-term condition cannot be cured but its symptoms and complications can usually be controlled with treatment. Examples are arthritis, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and high blood pressure. Long-term conditions can have an effect on your role within the family, your job, your accommodation, your education and your finances.

It is important that you have an annual review to lower your risks and so that you are optimising your health to cope with your condition.

We recall patients for their health reviews via text or letter, you should receive this on the month of your birthday. Please then book in by replying to the text message, via “myGP” or by telephoning our receptionists to book you in.

For more information see here: https://patient.info/treatment-medication/living-with-a-long-term-condition

We encourage all new patients to have a new patient health check with the Health Care Assistant. Existing
patients are also welcome to come for a medical. The check is completely free and takes about 20
minutes.

The purpose of the check is to find out about any existing problems for which you are receiving
treatment, and also, to help you live a healthy lifestyle.

The Health Care Assistant will ask about:

 current and past illnesses and operations
 illnesses that run in the family
 medication and allergies
 any screening tests such as cervical smears
 any immunisations such as tetanus

She will check your blood pressure, weight, and height and test a sample of your urine.

You are also offered advice on

 healthy eating
 exercise
 sensible limits for alcohol
 how to stop smoking

She will assess your risk of heart disease and can arrange a cholesterol check if appropriate