NHS to offer free high-street cholesterol tests in England
Monday, 31 August 2026
Warm-up
- Where do you usually go for health advice?
- Have you ever had a blood test? How was it?
- What can people do to keep their hearts healthy?
Vocabulary
- cholesterol
- A type of fat in the blood that can raise the risk of heart disease.
- eligible
- Allowed to get something because you meet the rules.
- finger-prick
- A small cut in a fingertip to take a drop of blood for a test.
- pharmacist
- A trained professional who prepares medicines and gives health advice.
- statin
- A medicine that lowers cholesterol in the blood.
- consultation
- A short meeting with a health worker to check your health and give advice.
- pilot
- A small test of a new service before it starts everywhere.
- lancet
- A small, sharp medical tool used to prick the skin for blood.
Reading
The NHS in England will offer free cholesterol checks on the high street. People aged 40 to 84 who are not pregnant and have not had a blood test in the past year will be eligible. The seven-minute finger-prick test, using a lancet, will be done in local shops, and results will arrive by email.
A pharmacist prescriber will explain the numbers in a consultation, give lifestyle tips, and may offer a statin if needed. A blood pressure check will also be available.
The first phase starts this autumn at about 100 NHS pharmacies. The plan was announced at a major heart conference in Munich. A pilot in north London by Barts Health NHS Trust checked 2,493 people; 19% were at high risk, and at least 88 started statins. NHS leaders, such as David Webb, say pharmacies can help spot problems early and prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Comprehension
- Who can get the free test under the NHS plan?
- Where will people receive the seven-minute test?
- What can a pharmacist prescriber do after the test?
- When and where does the first phase begin?
- What did the north London pilot find about risk?
Grammar focus
Imperative forms
Use the base verb to give short commands or instructions: e.g. 'Call the pharmacist.' For negative commands use 'do not' + verb (or don't + verb). (Examples constructed.)
- **Check your cholesterol** regularly.
- **Bring a list of medicines** to the pharmacist.
Grammar exercise
Complete the sentences with the correct imperative form.
- If you feel dizzy, (call) ___ the pharmacist straight away.
- When online, (share) ___ results with unknown email addresses.
- Please (wait) ___ in the chair until the pharmacist calls.
- If you are unsure, (ask) ___ the pharmacist about statins.
- Before the test, (eat) ___ for one hour.
Discussion
- Would you use a free test at a pharmacy? Why or why not?
- What could help people remember to check their cholesterol?
- Is a seven-minute test fast enough for you? Explain.
- What health checks should be easy to get in your area?
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