MORE middle-aged people are to be encouraged to take part in health screening.

Hampshire County Council is planning better targeted NHS health checks to detect people with potential problems.

As part of a new £9million contract with health providers starting in April 2019, the council is aiming to increase the uptake of checks, particularly those most at risk of developing heart disease.

Cllr Patricia Stallard, executive member for public health, said: “The county council is responsible for ensuring Hampshire residents aged 40-75 are invited for regular health reviews by their GP surgeries.

"Currently just under half of those invited take up the offer. This is something we want to see improve, so through a new contract with GPs and other health providers, we are aiming to increase this, particularly among patients most at risk of cardiovascular disease.

“To do this, we are working with the Swan Medical Group in Petersfield to test range of ways to increase participation. Learning from this trial will be shared with other health providers to help increase the numbers attending, particularly from high risk groups.”

The NHS Health Check programme aims to prevent heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, and raise awareness of dementia both across the population and within high risk and vulnerable groups.

Health checks are normally undertaken by practice nursing teams and once the assessment is complete, those receiving a check are given advice to help them manage and reduce their risk of becoming unwell.

If necessary people will be directed to either county council commissioned public health support services such as weight management support, or referred for a clinical follow up with their GP.

Cardiovascular disease is the second most common cause of death in Hampshire. According to the British Heart Foundation, healthcare costs relating to cardiovascular disease are estimated at £9 billion each year.