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Physical Health Checks
If you have a mental health condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar, you may be entitled to free physical health checks with your GP.
SMI physical health checks are available to people living in Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES), Swindon and Wiltshire who are on the Serious Mental Illness Register (SMI Register). Our physical health check coordinators help people access physical health checks and health improvement plans, any follow up appointments, and to develop their personal health improvement plans.
Refer yourself or someone else to our physical health check coordination support service.
To learn more about whether you may be on the SMI Register, and how we can help you access your physical health check, watch the video below.
Who is entitled to a physical health check?
The Serious Mental Illness Register (SMI Register) is a confidential list held by your GP practice. It includes adults (18+) who have mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar and psychosis.
If you are on your GP's SMI Register, you are entitled to a free physical health check every year. These checks can help you identify and manage any physical health concerns early, supporting your overall health and wellbeing.
You can check if you're on the SMI Register by asking your GP.
How can someone access a physical health check?
If you're on the SMI Register, your GP may contact you to invite you for an annual physical health check. If you don't receive an invitation, the first thing to do is contact your GP to check you're on the SMI Register. If you are, you can ask to book in your annual physical health check.
We also offer a physical health check coordination support service where we can help you book your annual physical health check and support you before, during and after the appointment.
You can either self-refer to our coordination service, or someone else can refer you (e.g. your support worker).
How do our coordinators support people with physical health checks?
We can support you at any point in your journey to accessing a physical health check. This can include:
- Helping you understanding whether you are on the Serious Mental Illness Register
- Finding out whether you are eligible for an annual physical health check
- Making your physical health check appointment, e.g. if you're struggling with your GP's phone system or online form
- Helping you attend your physical health check appointment, e.g. making sure it's at a convenient time and helping you access public transport
- Supporting you during the appointment
- Supporting you after the appointment
So, if you're nervous about going to the GP for your physical health check, we can take on some of the challenges and help make the process easier for you. This gives you the chance to sit down with your GP so you can talk about any health concerns and, in the long run, help you become more confident in your physical health.
How do I refer myself or someone else to Second Step?
To refer yourself or someone else to our physical health check coordination service, you can fill in our online referral form. You can also phone us or email us with any questions or to find out more about what the service involves.
See below for self-referral details and contact details for your local physical health check coordination team: