Health Check Training - 3rd February 2026

The NHS Health Check is a national screening programme for adults aged 40-74 years designed to help lower the risk of developing conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. This comprehensive training equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality NHS Health Checks that can save lives, prevent heart attacks and strokes, and detect diseases earlier. This training covers the complete process from invitation through to risk management and signposting. The content of this training may be adapted throughout the year in response to participant feedback and emerging updates to ensure it remains current, relevant, and aligned with service needs.”

Information about this training

This detailed training session covers all aspects of NHS Health Check delivery, including understanding the programme rationale, eligibility and exclusion criteria, the invitation process, and clinical assessment components. Participants will learn how to take accurate measurements (blood pressure, pulse, BMI, waist circumference), interpret blood test results (cholesterol, blood sugars), and assess lifestyle factors including smoking status, physical activity levels, and alcohol consumption. The training emphasizes effective communication of risk using QRisk3 scores and heart age tools, alongside practical behaviour change techniques including Motivational Interviewing principles and core skills (OARS). You'll learn how to use scaling questions, support SMARTER goal setting, and understand when to refer or signpost to appropriate services. The training includes guidance on dementia awareness, competency requirements, and use of health check software systems (TCR and Ardens templates).

Learning outcomes

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the rationale behind the NHS Health Check programme and its role in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention
• Identify eligible patients and understand exclusion criteria for the programme
• List and explain all components of an NHS Health Check including blood pressure, pulse, BMI, waist circumference, cholesterol, smoking status, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and dementia awareness
• Take accurate clinical measurements and interpret results appropriately
• Calculate and communicate QRisk3 scores and heart age effectively using everyday language
• Recognize when patients require immediate action, GP referral, or specialist support
• Apply the principles of Motivational Interviewing and core skills (OARS) to support behaviour change
• Use scaling questions to assess importance, readiness, and confidence for change
• Support patients with SMARTER goal setting tailored to their values and beliefs
• Provide appropriate signposting and referrals to lifestyle services including smoking cessation, healthy weight, physical activity, and alcohol support
• Demonstrate competency in delivering NHS Health Checks to the highest standards

Who is the course aimed at?

This training is aimed at healthcare professionals involved in delivering NHS Health Checks in GP practices and community settings across Hertfordshire. This includes Healthcare Assistants (HCAs), Practice Nurses, GPs, Practice Managers, and any clinical or administrative staff who will be involved in the invitation, assessment, or follow-up processes of the NHS Health Check programme. All staff delivering NHS Health Checks must complete this training to ensure they are safe and competent to deliver the programme to the highest standards.

Entry requirements to do this course

None

How you will be assessed

No assessment for this training.

What happens after I book this training?

After booking the training, you'll receive a confirmation email with pre-course requirements and course details. Post-training, a follow-up email will provide instructions to complete for your participation certificate. You'll also have the option to engage in follow-up communication. Following training, new advisors will participate in a competency sign-off process to ensure they are safe and competent to deliver NHS Health Checks independently.

Contact us details

01442 453 071

HealthImprovementService@hertfordshire.gov.uk