Severe Mental Illness Health Check
If you have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other psychosis, you are eligible for a free physical health check.
During your health check, a clinician will be able to look for any health problems, to help you get the treatment you need to stay well.
You can ask them questions about your health and tell them how you are feeling.
You can also talk about any treatment you are having or medicines you take.
You may be able to get a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, COVID-19 booster or flu vaccine when you have your health check. Ask about vaccinations when you make your appointment.
Who can have an annual health check
Anyone aged 18 or over who has schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other psychosis can have a free health check once a year.
How to get an appointment
If you are eligible, you will get a phone call, text message or a letter from College Green Medical Practice inviting you for an annual health check.
You can contact us to ask for an appointment if you have not received any communications. A family member or friend can contact the surgery for you if you prefer.
How having an annual health check can help
It is up to you to decide if you want to have an annual Severe Mental Illness health check, but these checks can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing.
Talking to a clinician, and having a few simple tests, helps them find any health problems early. This means they can give you the treatment or support you need to stay well.
You can ask our reception team or a clinician for more information about annual Severe Mental Illness health checks before you decide.
What happens during the annual health check
Your appointment will take about 20 minutes. Before you have the health check and any tests, clinician will check you are happy to go ahead.
The clinician will usually:
- do a physical check-up, including weight, heart rate and blood pressure
- ask you to have a blood test
- talk to you about staying well and ask if you need any help with this
- talk to you about your medicines and ask if you have any side effects
- check if your vaccinations are up to date
- check how you are coping if you have a condition such as asthma or diabetes
The clinician can also give your health information, such as advice on healthy eating, exercise, alcohol or stopping smoking.
They may offer you a follow-up appointment to give you further information and support. This can help you improve your health and wellbeing, and manage any health conditions you may have.
If you need any additional support
The NHS has to make it easy for everyone to use health services, including anyone who needs additional support. This is called making “reasonable adjustments”.
Tell your GP surgery if you need any extra help, such as:
- a longer appointment or having a carer, friend or peer support worker with you
- an appointment at the beginning or end of the day, or a quiet place to wait if you find it hard to be in a busy waiting room
- additional reassurance or support if you are afraid of needles and are having a blood test or vaccine
- a sign-language or interpreter service
- a home visit if you are unable to leave your home
If you need additional support, this will usually be written in a health profile or health action plan that the clinician can use.