York set to boost NHS Health Checks for better health

City of York Council has announced plans to recommission its NHS Health Checks programme, reaffirming its commitment to improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities across the city.

The NHS Health Check is a free, nationally recognised programme designed to identify early signs of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions among residents aged 40–74 who do not already have a long-term health condition.

By detecting risk factors early, the programme helps prevent serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of premature death in York, with those living in the most deprived areas almost twice as likely to die from CVD compared to those in the least deprived areas.

Lucy Steels-Walshaw Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at City of York Council, said: “This programme is a cornerstone of our prevention strategy. By targeting those most at risk and expanding investment, we can make a real difference in reducing health inequalities and improving quality of life for thousands of residents.”

The key highlights in the proposal include:

• Expanded Investment: The annual budget for the programme will increase from £50,000 to £100,000, with the potential to rise to £150,000 if additional funding becomes available. This represents a total contract value of up to £750,000 over five years.
• Targeted Approach: While the national ambition is to offer checks to all eligible residents, York will continue to prioritise those most at risk, including people living in deprived areas, individuals with high BMI, smokers, and those with mental health conditions. The new contract will also include provision to reach residents with Autism and ADHD.
• Statutory Duty: Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, local authorities are required to provide access to NHS Health Checks. This recommissioning ensures York meets its legal obligations while delivering value for money.
• Impact on Residents: The programme will help identify undiagnosed conditions, enabling early treatment and lifestyle interventions. Nationally, NHS Health Checks prevent hundreds of heart attacks and strokes each year.

If approve by Executive meeting on 2 December 2025, the council will begin a procurement process to appoint a provider to deliver the service from April 2026.

The successful provider will be expected to ensure accessibility for all communities, including those facing barriers such as language, digital exclusion, and physical access needs.