Free NHS Lung Health Checks
Conexus Healthcare is supporting the delivery of free NHS Lung Health Checks for people in Wakefield.
A lung health check, part of the Lung Cancer Screening Programme, is designed to help find any issues early (often before you notice anything wrong). Make sure you attend your appointment when you’re invited.
The programme is delivered by our service, GP Care Wakefield, working closely with local GP practices and Mid Yorkshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. It is commissioned by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance and forms part of the national NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme.
The aim is to find lung cancer earlier, and at a stage when treatment could be simpler and more successful – ultimately saving more lives. Most lung cancers grow slowly enough for them to be found at an early stage by a lung scan.
What is a Lung Health Check?
A Lung Health Check is a free, confidential health appointment carried out over the phone by trained healthcare professionals working for GP Care Wakefield.
The call usually lasts around 20 minutes and gives you the chance to talk about your lung health and to determine if your lungs should be scanned by a CT scanner. Not everyone will need a lung scan. This will depend on your results from the initial assessment. Throughout the process you will have plenty of time to chat to the health professionals and ask any questions.
What is a low‑dose CT scan?
If needed, you may be offered a low‑dose CT scan at one of the Mid Yorkshire Teaching Hospitals Trust sites:
- Pinderfields
- Pontefract
- Dewsbury
The scan:
- Is quick and painless
- Uses a very low level of radiation
- Gives doctors a clearer picture of your lungs
Not everyone who has a Lung Health Check will need a scan.
Who is eligible?
You may be invited for a Lung Health Check if you:
- Are aged 55 to 74
- Are registered with a Wakefield GP practice
- Smoke or have smoked in the past (even if you stopped many years ago)
Eligible patients are identified through GP practice records. Invitations are sent out in stages, so not everyone who is eligible will hear at the same time.
Why are Lung Health Checks important?
Lung cancer is often easier to treat when it is found early, before symptoms appear.
Lung Health Checks aim to:
- Spot potential problems earlier
- Reassure people where no issues are found
- Support people to improve their lung health
Most people who have a Lung Health Check will not need any further tests.
Who delivers the programme?
Your Lung Health Check is delivered by GP Care Wakefield, on behalf of all GP practices in Wakefield.
- The Lung Health Check team includes specially trained healthcare assistants and nurses
- All appointments use secure NHS systems
- Your GP is kept informed, but GP Care Wakefield manages appointments, results, and follow‑up
This approach ensures high‑quality care while minimising extra workload for GP practices.
Support to stop smoking
If you currently smoke, you will be offered free NHS stop‑smoking support as part of your Lung Health Check.
This support is:
- Optional
- Confidential
- Available even if you do not need a scan
Stopping smoking at any age can significantly improve your health and reduce your risk of lung cancer.
Do I have to take part?
No. Taking part is entirely your choice.
- The Lung Health Check is free and confidential
- Choosing not to take part will not affect your GP care or any other NHS services
Invitations and appointments
If you are eligible, you may receive:
- A letter
- A text message
Invitations are sent in planned batches, so please don’t worry if someone you know has been invited and you haven’t yet.
Contact the Lung Health Check team
If you receive an invitation and have questions, need to change your appointment, or need support such as an interpreter, the Lung Health Check team is here to help:
📞 01924 677 037
✉️ wyicb-wak.gpcwhealthpromotion@nhs.net
