Annual Physical Health Checks for people with Serious Mental Illness
We all have to look after our health, but people with severe mental illness need to be a little extra careful. Your medication and lifestyle could put you at risk of specific health problems, and the earlier any issues are identified, the easier they are to fix. The good news is you’re entitled to an annual health check to get advice and support.
Who are the physical healths checks for?
The annual physical health check is for people with Serious Mental Illness (SMI). Usually, this includes people with Schizophrenia, Psychoses, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Personality Disorder as well as some other mental health conditions. If your GP is aware you have Severe Mental Illness, this is recorded on your GP’s SMI register at your surgery.
Why should you get a physical health check?
Annual Physical Health Checks for people with serious mental illness (SMI) are designed to pick up on signs that someone may be at risk of diabetes, stroke or heart problems. This means action can be taken before these issues become more serious.
A full check involves six different elements:
Blood pressure – your blood pressure will be checked.
Blood glucose – a blood sample will be taken for a blood test, where the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood will be checked.
Height and weight – you will be asked your height and be weighed during your appointment.
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.
Alcohol – you will be asked how much alcohol you drink.
You may also be asked about your lifestyle, including how well you eat, how much exercise you do and your reproductive health.
How to book your physical health check
In Somerset, you can access your health check in several ways:
For most people, your health check will be delivered through your GP practice. The practice may send you a letter or call you with an invitation. If not, you can contact them directly.
SMI Community & Outreach Service
The Community & Outreach team offer 1:1 support delivered by our Physical Health & Wellbeing Navigators. This is available to those 18+ living in Somerset with Serious Mental Illness: Schizophrenia, Psychosis, Bipolar or Personality Disorder. This is time limited support of around 8-10 weeks. Through tailored and person-centred support, Navigators work with clients before, during and/or after the SMI Physical Health Check to help identify goals and work towards them.
This may include:
• exploring any barriers to engaging with clinical staff and services
• concerns about the Physical Health Check itself
• attending appointments or improving social contacts and activities
• helping to access services to improve physical health and wellbeing
Contact PHCsomerset@rethink.org for more information about the SMI Community & Outreach Service and support from a Physical Health & Wellbeing Navigator.
Please visit our SMI Community & Outreach services page for further details or discover how the physical health checks are undertaken in the Rethink Mental Illness Physical Health Check Tool.
We welcome referrals for support through your GP, Open Mental Health partner organisations, and any health professional or organisation you are in contact with. Alternatively, call Mindline Somerset for a referral on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.