PUBLIC Health Minister Jane Ellison has urged over-40s in the North-East to get their health checked after only one in three people have kept their appointments

NHS Health Check is a risk assessment programme designed to identify people at risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke or kidney disease and offer advice and support to avoid, reduce or manage their risk of developing future health problems.

The programme is targeted at men and women aged 40-74 who have not been diagnosed with an existing vascular disease or are being treated for certain risk factors. 

New figures published by Public Health England show that less than half of those invited to attend for a health check in the region have kept their appointments.

The take-up rate ranges from 48.9 per cent in North Yorkshire and 47.6 per cent in County Durham to 31.7 per cent in Stockton and 33 per cent in Middlesbrough.

In Darlington the take up was 36.8 per cent.

Every eligible person gets a letter every five years starting from the age of 40 inviting them to attend a health check.

Public Health Minister Jane Ellison said "I want to urge everyone over 40 to have an NHS Health Check. This free test can pick up on the early signs of heart problems, diabetes, stroke and kidney disease and help people take steps to make sure their lives are longer and healthier.”

See healthcheck.nhs.uk/ for more information 