Devon County Council

Health and wellbeing checks are now available in 47 GP practices and 17 pharmacies across Devon. To see whether your GP practice is taking part or if there is a pharmacy near you see the following list:

• Check Providers List (339KB - pdf help)

When you make an appointment you will be sent a booklet (290KB - pdf help), which is your to keep. The booklet has been designed to help you think about your health and wellbeing and the things that are the most important for you to discuss with the person who does your check.

The check is an hour in length, and gives time for discussion and action planning. If you need someone to be with the person you care for to enable you to attend the check, funding is available to cover the costs of this – further details will be given to you on booking your appointment.

What have other carers said about the benefits of having a check?

In his own words - Read the story of a working carer balancing a demanding career with caring for his family.

Mrs Q of Holsworthy "As a carer, I am very aware of how important it is for me to stay as fit as possible. I show early signs of having Parkinsons and have been part of a programme which promotes exercise rather than medication to control its progression. I took up the offer of a free healthcheck without hesitation because I wanted to put my mind at rest that exercise alone is benefiting my condition.  And I'm pleased to say that it is.

"My advice to other carers is to do it.  Take up these healthchecks.  It's far better to face a problem and deal with it, rather than let it catch up with you."

Mrs C of Honiton “It was very thorough, the nurse talked to me about all sorts of things that we could have to help us if we needed them. At the moment we are managing OK but its comforting to know that help is available. Although I am only a couple of pounds overweight, the test picked up that I have high cholesterol so I have been booked in to have a ‘fasting test’ next week to confirm the result. Just think, I would never have known”.

Mr H of Ottery “They have come up trumps, they have found a problem with my heart that I had no idea I had. Now I am booked for an ECG and have been put on tablets for high blood pressure”

Mrs W “It was really great to have time for myself for a change and to talk about MY problems”.

Mr B.J.F of Exmouth "I found the health check very reassuring that there was nothing wrong, which also reassured my wife."

Read all about one carer's experience of the check  and see the article based on his experience which appeared in Devon Talk Magazine (211KB - pdf help) in July 2010