Free NHS Health Checks for Bury residents aged 40 to 74
An NHS Health Check is a free check-up for adults aged 40 to 74 who do not already have certain long-term health conditions. It helps identify your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and some cases of dementia, and it is usually offered every five years.
Bury has a strong record of delivering NHS Health Checks, and local GP practices are already set up to provide them to eligible patients across the borough.
Why have one?
An NHS Health Check can give you a clearer picture of your health before problems start to show. It is designed to pick up risk factors such as high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, being overweight, smoking, and other lifestyle factors that can increase your chance of future illness.
Knowing your risk gives you a chance to make changes early, get advice, and stay healthier for longer. For many people, a small change now can make a big difference later.
Who can get one?
You may be eligible if you:
- are aged 40 to 74.
- live in Bury or are registered with a Bury GP practice.
- do not already have a pre-existing long-term condition that makes you ineligible for the programme.
If you are eligible, you should normally receive an invitation by letter, text or email from your GP practice every five years. If you have not been invited but think you should be, contact your GP practice to ask about booking.
What happens at the appointment?
Your NHS Health Check usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes and is carried out by a healthcare professional such as a nurse or doctor. During the appointment, you will usually be asked about your health and lifestyle, and have some routine measurements and tests.
The check may include things like your blood pressure, weight, height and waist measurement, plus a discussion about how to reduce your risk of future health problems.
How to book
If you have received an invitation, follow the instructions from your GP practice to book your appointment. If you think you are eligible but have not been invited, contact your GP practice directly and ask to book an NHS Health Check.
You can usually contact your GP practice:
- by phone.
- online using the practice website or NHS App.
- in person at the surgery.
What you could gain
An NHS Health Check can help you:
- understand your risk of serious conditions earlier.
- get advice that is personal to you.
- take action to improve your health.
- access further support if anything needs follow-up.
In Bury, NHS Health Checks have already helped identify people with previously undiagnosed high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and pre-diabetes. That means the check is not just informative — it can lead to action that may prevent future illness.
Don’t wait for symptoms. A free NHS Health Check is a quick and simple way to check how your health is doing and what you can do to stay well.
Book your NHS Health Check with your GP practice today.