The number of people attending their free NHS health check has dropped to a two-year low with more than half a million middle-aged adults declining valuable NHS health checks in Q3 2024/25.
That is according to analysis of data from the Department for Health Improvement and Disparities from independent consultancy Broadstone
A total of 881,812 people aged 40-74 were invited to a health check in Q3 2024/25, but only 329,761 went on to receive it.
It means that 552,051 people failed to take up the offer.
That represented the lowest quarterly total since Q3 2022/23 when 278,752 people received the health check.
Comparatively, in Q3 2022/23, 698,415 invites were issued meaning that 419,663 people – around 130,000 fewer than the most recent quarter’s data – did not attend an appointment after receiving an invite.
NHS health checks should be offered by a GP or local council every five years to those aged 40-74 with no pre-existing health conditions.
They help to identify those at risk of suffering serious health conditions such as heart disease or stroke and can recommend actions to lower health risks such as lifestyle changes or taking medication to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Emily Jones, client consulting director at Broadstone (pictured), said: “Regular checks are a vital first line of defence for identifying and treating chronic health issues at an early stage.
“It is disappointing to see that uptake of the NHS’ free health check service is decreasing with over half a million invitees not attending an appointment in the most recent quarter.
“Health checks can have a profound impact on our lives.
“By attending these appointments, we can identify conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease before they become serious problems.
“Early detection means early intervention, which can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve our overall health outcomes.”
