ESSEX residents are enjoying more successful access to the free NHS Health Checks than those living anywhere else in the East of England.

Colchester-based community healthcare provider, Anglian Community Enterprise (ACE), is commissioned by Essex County Council’s Public Health team to provide the NHS Health Checks across Essex, excluding the unitary authorities of Thurrock and Southend.

Latest figures show ACE is the only provider of NHS Health Checks in the East of England to beat its target for sent-out invitations and actual checks every year since 2013.

Those eligible for the free NHS Health Check are aged between 40 and 74 who, broadly, are not already identified by a health professional as having had a heart attack, stroke, angina or diabetes.  They should also not be on medicines for high cholesterol or high blood pressure as these people have already been screened by their GP and are being monitored regularly.

The check includes measurement of blood cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and waist measurement. A risk calculation is carried out and personalised advice offered about how to stay healthy. All results are given to people at the time of their health check screen as well as shared with their GP practice.

Karl Winchester, CVD Primary Prevention Programme Lead at ACE, said: “We’re delighted to have exceeded our target every year. This year, we sent out 87,300 invites and carried out 46,000 checks. As well as carrying out checks at health locations, we have two mobile units which enable us to target hard-to-reach groups in the community and, particularly, in deprived areas. It means we manage to carry out lots of checks with people who won’t normally go to their GP.

“The check assesses your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease or diabetes. By taking early action, people can improve their health and make lifestyle changes to help prevent the onset of these conditions. I would urge anyone eligible for the check to spare a few minutes out of their day and take advantage of something which might just be a life-saver.”

Chris French, Head of Wellbeing and Public Health at Essex County Council, said: “The NHS Health Check is a very valuable health check for people. We have had occasions when they have been life-savers. The successful delivery of the NHS Health Check is, therefore, an important priority for us, so we are delighted our commissioned provider, ACE, is performing so successfully. I would urge people who are eligible for the check to make sure they take advantage of it and make sure Essex retains its top-performing status in the East of England.”

If you would like to see if you are eligible for a free NHS Health Check, call the ACE team on 0800 022 4524. The ACE team can also visit local businesses to carry out free NHS Health Checks on staff.

Issued on behalf of Anglian Community Enterprise (ACE) Community Interest Company by PJR Communications Ltd. For further information contact Peter Richardson on 01206 843225 or 07778 067614.

PHOTO CAPTION: Lisbeth Brown, outreach health-check worker, supervises the NHS Health Check on ACE Chief Executive Officer, Frank Sims.