A growing number of Brummies are signing-up for a FREE health MOT that can identify the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. But thousands of men across the city who are eligible for an NHS Health Check  are still missing out, with figures showing women are more likely to accept the offer. Around 90,000 Brummies have attended an NHS Health Check in the last three years. And, while delivery of the free checks is higher in Birmingham than in most other parts of the country, men are trailing behind their female counterparts.

  • 62.1 per cent of women offered a check take up the offer.
  • But just 50.6 per cent of men accept the invitation.

And after Public Health England launched 'One You' a campaign aimed at encouraging middle-aged people to lead healthier lifestyles, Birmingham Director of Public Health Dr Adrian Phillips is keen to get more men signed up.

He said: "The continued success of the NHS Health Check scheme in Birmingham is very encouraging and we’re determined to build on that success.

“This is a free service that everyone aged 40-74 is entitled to so I would urge men across the city not to miss out. You remember to service the car or the boiler, so don’t neglect your own MOT.

“Through the NHS Health Check programme, thousands of people in Birmingham have been offered practical advice to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke and certain types of dementia.

“My advice to anyone who is eligible – male or female – is don’t miss out. You’re entitled to this service, so speak to your GP as soon as possible.”

Figures for 2013 onwards show that Birmingham has out-performed the regional and national average for the checks, which are offered to people aged between 40 and 74 years.

  • 66 per cent of eligible people in the city have been invited to attend for an NHS Health Check since 2013. This compares to 47.52 per cent nationally.
  • An impressive 53.65 per cent of people accepted the offer of an NHS Health Check compared to 48.15 per cent nationally.

That means that 85,289 people across Birmingham have now attended an NHS Health Check to assess their risk of developing conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Everyone attending received lifestyle advice.