Physical Health Checks For
Severe Mental Health Problems

What We Are Trying To Achieve

Improving access to physical health checks for people with severe mental health problems (SMHP) is part of the NHS Long Term Plan (LTP), with the aim of 390,000 people with SMHP receiving physical health checks by 2023/24.

The Yorkshire and the Humber Clinical Network key deliverables are in supporting Integrated Care Systems to:

• Enhance provision to better address physical health risks and needs for people with SMI complete recommended physical health assessments.
• Follow up delivery of or referral to appropriate NICE-recommended interventions.
• Follow up personalised care planning, engagement and psychosocial support.

We will:

• Implement a regional plan of action to support progress towards increasing the number of people with SMHP in Yorkshire and the Humber receiving physical health checks. This will include:
  • Working with Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) to monitor provision of physical health checks in line with set targets in the LTP.
  • Identifying areas of best practice across the region and share this to increase learning and enhance service provision.
  • Assist ICS’, CCGs, Providers and Experts by Experience to Network and connect to enhance learning and sharing.

Why It’s Important

The NHS Long Term Plan (2019) commits to creating new and integrated models of primary and community mental health care which supports both adults and older adults with (SMHP).

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) undertook some research in 2006 and identified that unfortunately, people with SMHP face stark health inequalities and are less likely to have their physical health needs met, both in terms of identification of physical health concerns and delivery of appropriate, timely screening and treatment.

• The DRC found that compared to the general population, individuals with SMHP (such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder): Face a shorter life expectancy by an average of 15 – 20 years.
• Are three times more likely to smoke.
• Are at double the risk of obesity and diabetes, three times the risk of hypertension and metabolic syndrome, and five times the risk of dyslipidaemia (imbalance of lipids in the bloodstream).

Why?

• There is a lack of clarity around responsibilities in healthcare provision in primary and secondary care.
• There are gaps in training among primary care clinicians.
• There is a lack of confidence across the workforce to deliver physical health checks among people with SMHP.

You can read the full report from the DRC at Disability Rights Commission. Equal treatment: Closing the gap. 2006

You can gain a greater understanding of the importance of physical health checks for people with SMHP by watching Mary’s story to learn of her experiences.