Research shows that people with mental health conditions are dying earlier compared to the general population, mainly from preventable and treatable physical health conditions. Those with serious mental illnesses such as psychosis or Schizophrenia are at increased risk of dying 15 – 20 years prematurely.
We want to address this health inequality and are committed to supporting you to choose a healthier lifestyle to help improve your health and wellbeing.
What we will do
Our staff will use something called the Lester Tool to assess your physical health regularly. They will ask you some questions about your lifestyle including whether you smoke or drink alcohol and about your diet and exercise. They will also monitor your weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
Why are we doing this?
Your answers to these questions and results from any physical health monitoring will highlight areas that may have an impact on your health and wellbeing.
What next?
If your care team have identified areas of concern following screening, they will offer you appropriate interventions or sign post you to the relevant support. If you have been offered support in the past, but have felt unable to access this, please do not be put off trying again. Our staff can help make sure you have the right support systems in place to make the changes you need to live well and keep healthy.
But I’ve answered these questions before…
You may have answered these questions before but it is important that we ask these regularly. This is because your circumstances may change or you might have changed your mind.
Are my care team using the Lester Tool?
If you are unsure whether staff involved in your care have been following the screening tool, please ask them. You can always say “I read that you are using the Lester Tool to monitor my health – when was the last time this was done?” Our staff will answer your questions and will be able to perform any of the required screening.
Useful information
- National Audit of Schizophrenia (NAS) – Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: prevention and management – NICE
- 8 tips for healthy eating – NHS
- Get active your way – NHS
- Stop smoking services – NHS
- Drug addiction: getting help – NHS
- Alcohol support – NHS
L1037, V2, 24/01/2022 (Archive: 24/01/2025)
