The NHS say you should receive a physical health check every year from your GP  or a practice nurse if:

• You are diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychoses,  or
• You take antipsychotics or mood stabilisers, such as lithium.  This is still the case if you do not have one of the diagnoses shown above.  

The health checks are important.  Living with a severe mental illness means that you can be more likely to develop physical health issues than the general population.  Everyone’s situation is different, but we know that good mental and physical health go together.

You should be on your GP surgery’s severe mental illness register.  If you are on the register, you should receive an invite for a full physical health check at least once a year.  

A physical health check is an important first step towards taking charge of your physical health and being as well as you can be.

On our webpage you can learn more about GPs and your mental health. 

You can download our 'Take the first step towards control of your physical health' leaflet here.  

You can share this information with anyone who you think may be entitled to a check. 

Our tool is designed to support you before, during and after your physical health check.

The tool is yours to keep, personalise, and use as you have your physical health check. You can fill it in on a computer or print it out if you want to.

It can be used to help you, your carer, and health professionals to record:

• the different results of your check,
• follow-up support or treatment, and
• future appointments.

Also, the tool has information about other routine health checks that you may be entitled to.

The tool is available to download here. 

The physical health check is to help pick up on signs that you may be at risk of diabetes, stroke or heart problems.  Early action can help to stop these issues becoming more serious. 

The check involves 6 different elements.

• Blood pressure.  Your blood pressure will be checked.
• Height and weight. You will be asked your height and be weighed during your appointment.
• Blood glucose. A blood sample will be taken for a blood test, where the level of glucose in your blood will be checked. Glucose is the main type of sugar in your blood.
• Blood lipid. A blood sample will be taken for a blood test, where the level of cholesterol in your blood will be checked.
• Smoking.  You will be asked whether you smoke, and if so, how much.
• Alcohol.  You will be asked whether you drink alcohol, and if so, how much. 
    

Yes, they should be allowed to join you at your physical health check appointment if you need their support. 

If you can go to your appointment, but need help with travel, you can:

• check whether your local council provides a community transport service or has information on providers. These may be run by local charities, and
• see if you qualify for the NHS healthcare travel costs scheme  for people who have a low income or claim certain benefits. 

You might live with a mental or physical illness or disability that means you have difficulty leaving home.

You should be offered a physical health check at home or a setting that you are able to go to.

The NHS has a legal obligation under the Equality Act to make what is known as reasonable adjustments for you in these circumstances.  So, by arranging a physical health check at your home they are reasonably adjusting their normal approach.   

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments on our webpage here.

To get your check you can contact your GP surgery and say:

• you live with severe mental illness, and
• you would like to book your annual physical health check. 

You can ask:

• where you will need to go for your appointment,
• how long you will have to wait for the appointment, and
• how long the check will take.

You can also ask if you are on your GP surgery’s severe mental illness register. If you are not, you can ask to be added to make sure the surgery invites you to your annual health check.

Also, if you are supported by an NHS mental health team, you can ask staff about how to get your physical health check. 

You can do the following things. You can ask the person who cares for you, or a relative or friend to help you.

Contact your GP surgery

You can say:

• you live with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or other psychosis, or that you take antipsychotic or mood stabiliser medication,
• you are entitled to an annual physical health check because of that, and
• NICE recommend that people who live with severe mental illness have regular health checks. 

NICE stands for National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. They provide evidence-based guidance about treatment and support to the NHS.

Contact PALS
You can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).  

PALS can try to help you sort out your problem or explain the complaints procedure.

Get the help of an advocate

You can use a community advocate to help talk to your GP surgery. Community advocates can help you to make your voice heard. Community advocacy is not available in all areas of England.

You can get help from an NHS complaints advocate if you want to make a complaint.  This type of advocacy is available in all areas of England.

You can find more information on our webpage on Advocacy for mental health – Making your voice heard.

Complain

You can make a complaint if you are unable to get your physical health check. Or if you are having other issues with the NHS.  

You can find more information on our webpage How do I complain about my NHS care or treatment? A quick step-by-step guide

You and your health professional might identify actions that need to be taken. Your health professional should explain any recommended treatment and support options. 

Depending on the arrangements in your area, you may be able to get follow-up support such as:

• exercise schemes,
• weight management support,
• dietary advice,
• support to stop smoking or to drink less alcohol, or
• a personal health budget ,  which can support you to take positive steps around your physical health.  Only certain people can have a personal health budget. 

You can ask your health professional about the above support if it’s appropriate to you.