New online health check for over 50’s

Online assessments and community-based support will enable over-50s in Wales to assess and improve their own health, Welsh Labour’s Health Minister Lesley Griffiths announced today. It is a Welsh Labour manifesto commitment to introduce health checks for people aged over 50.

The aim is to support and empower people over 50 to have greater control over their own health and wellbeing. Health checks are part of a greater shift in emphasis towards improving and protecting health, rather than simply treating illness. Under the arrangements, people will be provided with high quality advice on a range of health and social issues which can be tailored to their own personal circumstances, as well as improved access to the most effective national and local prevention services.

Public Health Wales will develop the health check programme, which will include alternative assessment methods for those unable or preferring not to access services online. The programme will be introduced over a three year period starting at the end of 2013.