CHESHIRE East Council has ruled out using other health providers to carry out over 40s health checks despite arguments it would help relieve the pressure on GPs.

The NHS health check is a public health risk assessment and management programme for people aged between 40 and 74.

It can help individuals reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by offering help and advice on smoking, alcohol use, weight management, diet and physical activity.

Cheshire East officers recommended members of the council's adults and health committee recommission the health checks service to the NHS.

Shelley Brough, head of integrated commissioning at the council, said: "We know the provision of this type of model is best placed within GP practices due to access to data.

"Also, there has been analysis undertaken by Public Health England which recommends that this type of model, in terms of the delivery within GP practices, is the most effective and best practice."

She said the current contract has been impacted by the pandemic because appointments have to be face-to-face.

But at this week's committee meeting, Dane Valley councillor Andrew Kolker said: "I think that we're missing an opportunity here to alleviate some of the pressure on our GP services.

"We're told time and time again that GPs are at breaking point, they haven't got time to see people in person, they're having to do Zoom type meetings with patients.

"So, I suggest that we go out to tender, we don't automatically go back to the GP practices for this, in fact we seek provision elsewhere."

Knutsford councillor Stewart Gardiner also questioned the GP model.

"Have we got any data that shows us giving this money to GP surgeries is actually providing us with the results we want?" he asked.

"Are they picking up, for instance, those groups of people who don't go to the doctors?"

Conservative group leader Janet Clowes said: "I think we should go out to a proper procurement on this.

"I think there are a number of issues that have arisen as a result of Covid, that actually put pressures on GPs, and actually have identified other organisations that have skills and have had to develop the skills that might well lend themselves to this kind of recommission."

But Mrs Brough told councillors: "GPs are really interested in continuing to deliver health checks despite the issues that we've had during the pandemic.

"It is an income-generating activity for most GP practices, so it does support individual GP practices in terms of their delivery. They see the benefits of prevention through health checks as well. They have trusted relationships with individuals."

Cheshire East's Director of Public Health Dr Matt Tyrer also argued the GP route was the more beneficial for residents.

He said the checks would be carried out by nursing staff within the GP practice usually who had the appropriate skills and equipment to do the relevant tests "and then follow up directly with them, and enable that direct referral into a general practitioner themselves, should there be a requirement for a prescription for blood pressure medication, statins, or any heart disease medication".

Nine councillors voted in favour of the recommendation to recommission the NHS Health Checks service, three were against and one abstained.