What happens during a new GP check-up?

1.) Checking the state of your health

During a physical health-check, your GP or sometimes the practice nurse will:

  • Take your blood pressure
  • Take your pulse 
  • Do a urine or blood test 
  • Weigh you.

These tests are designed to check whether you have cardiovascular problems, respiratory disease or diabetes. Most GPs will not automatically check if you have HIV or Hepatitis C.

If you are worried about these diseases or other physical health issues, take the
opportunity to ask for advice.

Questions you might want to ask are:

  • ‘How can I make sure I eat healthily?’
  • ‘What information can I get about healthy eating?’ 
  • ‘Where can I do more exercise?’
  • ‘How can I get more exercise without spending more money?’ 
  • ‘Can I be tested for Hepatitis C?’
  • ‘Where can I be tested for HIV anonymously?’
  • ‘Where can I get advice about cutting down on smoking?’
  • ‘Who can help me to control my drinking?’
  • ‘What help can I get to cut down on smoking cannabis?’ 
  • ‘Who can give me advice on cutting down on other drugs?’ 
  • ‘Do I need another smear test check?’
  • ‘Should I have a breast cancer screening?’

Download a list of these questions so you can take them along to your GP (20 kb) [doc]

Your GP or nurse will ask you also about your mental health. They may ask you to talk to your mental health team about any problems you have.

2.) Checking the medicine you take

Your GP will also ask you about how well your medicine is working and whether it is
giving you any side effects. It is important to tell your GP if you are worried by side effects such as: 

  • Putting on weight 
  • Shaking 
  • Feeling stiff 
  • Feeling slow 
  • Feeling restless 
  • Having sexual problems 
  • Feeling very tired.

If there are problems with your medicine like those above, your GP may think about changing your medicine or will ask you about talking to your mental health team. For more information about medicine, read Getting the best medicine for you.

3.) Checking your records are up to date

Your GP or practice nurse will also ask you the name of a family member or friend and the name of your key-worker, if you have one. This is so that your GP would know whom to contact if you are ever in a crisis.