HCA Healthcare UK adds new assessments to doctor-led health screening programme

Healthcare is increasingly focused on understanding health risks earlier, helping people take steps to protect their long-term health and wellbeing. At HCA Healthcare UK, we combine clinical expertise with advances in medical research and technology to support this more personalised approach to prevention.

As part of this commitment, we are introducing enhancements to our doctor-led health screening programme, available for health screens booked from 1st November. These enhancements will give individuals a more complete picture of their health, alongside personalised advice to help them take informed action.

Recognising cardiorespiratory fitness as a key health indicator

Cardiorespiratory fitness is widely recognised as an important indicator of long-term health. We are introducing estimated VO₂ max testing to our reAssure II, III, IV and Elite health screens, providing individuals with a measure of their cardiorespiratory fitness and valuable insight into overall health and future health risks.

Using innovative Seismofit® technology, the assessment takes just a few minutes while the patient is resting, with no exercise required. The results inform personalised advice on maintaining or improving fitness and wellbeing.

Building a fuller picture of cardiovascular risk

Advanced blood markers are playing an increasingly important role in understanding cardiovascular risk beyond standard cholesterol testing. We are updating the cardiovascular blood panel included in our reAssure III, IV and Elite health screens with two of these markers: lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and apolipoprotein B (ApoB).

These tests provide additional insight into inherited and long-term cardiovascular risk.

A stronger focus on physical strength and resilience

Grip strength is recognised as a valuable indicator of functional health and overall wellbeing. We are introducing grip strength assessment to our reAssure II, III, IV and Elite health screens, providing patients with an additional measure of muscle strength and physical function.

The assessment can identify where individuals may benefit from maintaining or improving their strength, supporting mobility and the ability to carry out everyday activities.

Broadening access to bowel screening

Growing concern about bowel cancer among younger adults is strengthening the focus on earlier detection. We are lowering the age at which qFIT bowel screening is included within our reAssure II, III, IV and Elite health screens from 50 to 45.

The test checks for small amounts of blood in a stool sample that may not be visible, supporting the earlier identification of potential bowel health concerns.

Supporting lasting action beyond health screening

Turning health insights into everyday habits is an important part of prevention. All eligible health screening patients will continue to have the option to receive 12 months’ complimentary access to VivaScore.

VivaScore is a digital health and wellbeing platform that provides personalised insights, wellbeing guidance and progress tracking. It helps individuals stay engaged with their health between screening appointments and put their screening recommendations into practice.

Together, these enhancements and ongoing wellbeing support strengthen our doctor-led approach to prevention, supporting earlier identification of health risks and informed decisions about long-term health and wellbeing.

Learn more about our doctor-led reAssure health screening programme