Less than 50% participate in NHS midlife MOT programme
A recent report by the National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed concerning figures regarding the uptake of the NHS Health Checks programme, also known as midlife MOTs. Introduced in 2009, these checks aim to identify individuals at higher risk of certain health conditions and provide practical advice on prevention. However, the NAO’s findings suggest that the programme is not reaching its full potential, with only 44% of eligible adults attending a check over the past five years.
Each year, roughly 20% of eligible individuals are invited to undergo an NHS Health Check, with the aim of covering the entire eligible population within a five-year cycle. The checks are intended for adults aged 40 to 74 without pre-existing health conditions and should be offered by GPs or local councils every five years. Despite these guidelines, only five local authorities managed to provide health checks to all eligible individuals in 2023/24, with the lowest uptake recorded at just 0.1%.
The NAO’s report highlighted challenges associated with the delegation of Health Checks to local authorities and the impact of cuts to public health funding on the delivery of preventive care services. The NAO has called for a review of whether local authorities are the most suitable providers for Health Checks and has urged the central Government to establish clear targets for attendance to ensure broader participation and effectiveness of the programme.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, emphasised the importance of Health Checks in reducing cardiovascular disease-related deaths and healthcare costs, stressing the need for a more effective system to reach more individuals. Similarly, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, underscored the potential benefits of Health Checks in terms of saving lives and healthcare expenditure, urging action to boost uptake and target high-risk individuals more effectively.
Local Government Association representative David Fothergill acknowledged the value of NHS Health Checks in promoting early health discussions and lifestyle changes but raised concerns about funding constraints limiting councils’ ability to deliver these services. He noted a shift towards reactive rather than preventive care, despite evidence supporting the benefits of early intervention.
In response to the NAO’s findings, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson stated that the Government is committed to addressing preventable diseases like cardiovascular conditions. Initiatives such as piloting comprehensive heart health checks in workplaces and developing digital check versions aim to enhance accessibility and efficiency in preventive healthcare services.
Furthermore, a new study highlighting the impact of specific health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, on NHS resources during winter months underscores the urgency of improving preventive health measures. The study revealed significantly higher risks of hospital admissions and mortality associated with certain combinations of long-term conditions, emphasising the need for targeted interventions and early detection strategies to alleviate pressure on healthcare systems.
As the debate on enhancing the effectiveness of preventive healthcare services continues, stakeholders call for coordinated efforts to improve Health Checks uptake, tailor interventions to high-risk populations, and strengthen data collection and monitoring mechanisms to maximise the health and financial benefits of preventive care initiatives.