Bupa Female Health
This health check is a good opportunity to seek reassurance about women's health issues and assesses breast and gynaecological health. It includes a cervical smear, blood analysis, a thorough breast examination and mammography (for women aged 40 or over).
What tests are included in this assessment?
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General
Physical examination and consultation with a nurse or doctor
- What is it?
- This adds to the medical history and tests by allowing the doctor to check for any other problems.
Medical history and lifestyle questionnaire
- What is it?
- An in-depth questionnaire covering your medical history and any medical concerns you may have.
- Health implications?
- This gives us an understanding of any current or previous health issues, along with any family history that may be relevant. This enables us to ensure that we can meet your needs during the health assessment.
- What does the test involve?
- It involves you completing a questionnaire, which takes around 15 minutes. You should bring the completed questionnaire along to your assessment.
Health trend analysis
- What is it?
- A comparison for most repeat customers of key health indicators taken from previous health assessments.
- Why do we do this?
- So you can see how your health is changing over time.
Report and personal health action plan
- What is it?
- The results of all tests available on the day, along with a personal health profile and action plan suggesting changes to maintain and improve your health in the future.
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Quality assurance
Stringent standards to ensure high quality
- Clinical governance
Clinical governance is defined as "a framework through which the organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence of clinical care will flourish".
It requires that as an organisation we have:
- quality improvement activity, eg audit
- a process for monitoring
- internal and external reviews
- clear policies to manage risk
- clinical incidents reporting
- a clear complaints handling policy
- management and reporting of poor performance
We are registered with the Healthcare Commission.
This organisation requires that all our procedures and policies place the client as the most important stakeholder, and that we ensure client safety at all times through clear policies and procedures.
Bupa Wellness Centres are regulated and audited by the Healthcare Commission. A copy of the latest inspection reports is available from:
Healthcare Commission PVH
Finsbury Towers
103-105 Bunhill Row
London, EC1Y 8TG- Our doctors and health advisers
We choose our doctors carefully; normally they will have been qualified for at least five years and have a broad background of medical experience. Most will have a higher degree - MRCGP, MRCP or equivalent. All will have undergone a training programme to familiarise them with the concept of health assessment and Bupa Wellness protocols. All are subject to an initial three-month appraisal and then annual appraisals thereafter, with regular notes audits and report checks.
Our health advisers are either qualified nurses or exercise physiologists, both of whom have undergone a two-week full time training programme in performing health assessments. This includes training on the impact of nutrition and diet, alcohol consumption, exercise programming and the benefits of exercise, and the effects of smoking on health. They too are subject to ongoing performance appraisals.
- We have a robust complaints policy
We are always pleased to hear about aspects of our service that you have particularly appreciated. We also want to hear about any problems you have experienced, so that we can deal with them speedily and improve our service for the future.
If something goes wrong, here's a simple procedure to ensure that your concerns are dealt with quickly and effectively. If you have a complaint about any aspect of our service, we would like to address this straightaway. If possible therefore, please speak to a member of staff at the centre. All centres have a complaints handler who has had specific training. Or you may prefer to talk to the centre manager.
If we cannot satisfactorily resolve your concern there and then and you wish to make a complaint by telephone or in writing, please call or write to the centre manager.
We will aim to give you a written acknowledgement of your complaint within 24 hours of receipt. A full response will be made within 20 working days. All complaints are dealt with confidentially and impartially.
If required, your complaint will be referred to the regional manager and may be escalated to the managing director.
We keep a record of every complaint and look at how many we receive and the reasons. We use this information along with our customer surveys to help make sure we continually improve the service we provide.
This procedure does not affect your legal rights.
- ISO accreditation
We currently operate under the guidelines of the ISO9001:2000 quality management system. As part of this, we operate a stringent clinical standards policy with full internal audit of all procedures. All non-clinical staff also undergo regular appraisal through the Bupa Positive Performance Management process.
In our last audit, we received the following comments from the auditors, SGS Yardsley:
- "It is evident that a great deal of thought and commitment has been given to developing the system to meet the requirements of ISO 9001:2000 and incorporate business and clinical needs"
- "All staff involved in the audit process demonstrated excellent knowledge and ownership of the key processes and the documented Quality Management System"
- "Excellent systems in place to monitor customer satisfaction"
- "Very well managed centre with adherence to system requirements evident"
- "Staff are proactive in problem solving and demonstrated contingency plans in place to enable patients to receive blood resulted on the day of assessment when the lab equipment is not functioning"
- "Excellent controls in evidence in all areas. Communication is particularly good"
- Why do we do this?
- We are committed to quality in all clinical areas.
- Central booking facility
- Our call centre staff have access to appointments at all of our centres throughout the country. They will be therefore able to help identify suitable appointments at a number of centres.
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Heart and lungs
Blood pressure and pulse rate measurement
- What is it?
- The heart pumps blood around the body through a network of blood vessels, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the body. This pumping action produces pressure within the arteries carrying blood away from the heart.
- Why do we do this?
Blood pressure tends to rise with age and high blood pressure rarely causes any symptoms. This is why it is important for adults to check it regularly.
A higher than normal blood pressure means that the heart has to work harder to push blood along. Over the long term, hypertension (high blood pressure) is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
A healthy blood pressure is 140/85 or lower. If you have diabetes then it is even more important that your blood pressure is lower than this.
- What does it involve?
- A compression cuff is inflated around the arm and the reading is taken by the health adviser.
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Body composition
Height and weight measurements
- What is it?
- Your height will be measured and you will be weighed.
Waist to height ratio
- What is it?
- A measure of the degree to which fat is stored around the middle. It is calculated by dividing your waist measurement by your height.
- Why do we do this?
- The way the body fat is distributed is important. People who have body fat stored mainly around the abdomen (apple shaped) – have a higher risk of developing heart disease and diabetes than people with the same amount of body fat stored mainly around the hips and thighs (pear shaped). A higher ratio indicates a greater amount of abdominal fat.
- What does it involve?
- Measuring your height and weight.
Body mass index calculation
- What is it?
- Your body mass index (BMI) is one way to find out if you are a healthy weight. It is calculated using an accepted medical formula which involves calculating a ratio of your height to weight and comparing this to an accepted health range.
- Why do we do this?
- Carrying too much fat is the most common cause of a high BMI. Being overweight is related to health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. People with a BMI over 25 are at a higher than average risk of these conditions.
- What does it involve?
- Measuring your height and weight.
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Additional tests
Cholesterol profile
- What is it?
A number of different types of blood fat are measured including cholesterol (HDL and LDL) and triglycerides.
Cholesterol is essential in the body to make cells and hormones. Most blood cholesterol is made in the liver. But some cholesterol comes from foods such as eggs, milk and animal fats.
Triglycerides are a different type of fat. Calories that are consumed and not used immediately are converted to triglycerides and transported to fat cells in the body for storage.
- Health implications
A high level of cholesterol increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Blood cholesterol contributes to the fatty deposits that can narrow and damage coronary arteries, reducing the blood supply to the heart. This can result in angina (chest pain) or in more severe cases, a heart attack.
If your total cholesterol is high you may be advised to eat less saturated fats in your diet and increase the amount of exercise you do. Other treatment may include drug treatments.
A raised level of blood triglycerides together with high LDL can increase the risk of heart disease.
- What does it involve?
The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results will usually be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.
You are asked to fast before your assessment. The level of triglycerides is very variable depending on the length of your fast. The test is more reliable if you have fasted for at least six hours before your assessment.
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Haematological profile
Haemoglobin measurement
- What is it?
- Measurement of the amount of haemoglobin in the blood. Low haemoglobin levels may indicate anaemia.
Abnormalities of red cells, white cells and platelets
- What is it?
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Tested as part of a full blood count which measures the levels of the blood cells in the blood:
- Red blood cells – these carry haemoglobin
- White blood cells – these are produced by the body to protect us against infections and repair damage. There are different types of white cells with different functions
- Platelets – these are involved in blood clotting
- Why do we do this?
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Red blood cells test
Changes in the size and number of these may indicate a number of diseases, including the cause for anaemia.
White blood cells
A raised level in the blood may mean you have an infection, or indicate chronic (long-term) conditions.
Platelets
Platelets have a wide normal range. A very low result can be a sign of a number of medical conditions, including blood clotting disorders.
- What does the test involve?
- The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.
Diabetes
- What is it?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to regulate the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. According to Diabetes UK, it is estimated that 1 million people in the UK have diabetes without their knowing. The test measures the level of blood glucose after fasting for at least six hours.
Diabetes is a significant risk factor for severe eye problems (including blindness), it greatly increases the risk of heart attack, kidney failure and severe arterial disease.
- Why do we do this?
- A raised glucose level may indicate diabetes. Diabetes can usually be controlled with diet, exercise or medicines, but if poorly controlled, it increases the risk of heart disease and strokes, nerve damage and blindness.
- What does it involve?
The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.
You are asked to fast before your assessment. The test is more reliable if you have fasted for at least six hours before your assessment.
Diabetes Risk Score
- What is it?
- A score that indicates your risk of developing diabetes.
- Why do we do this?
- Diabetes is becoming more common, and can lead to many other conditions including premature heart disease and stroke.
- What does it involve?
- This is a simple questionnaire based on sound research, and looks at items in your lifestyle that may increase your risk of diabetes. By knowing your risk, you can make changes, and reduce the chance of developing diabetes.
Liver function
- What is it?
The liver makes important hormones and proteins. It also breaks down toxic substances, producing less harmful ones that can be removed from the body more easily.
Enzymes
Your blood is tested for several substances called enzymes found in the liver these include:
- Gamma GT
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Asparate aminotransferase
Bilirubin
- What is it?
- Bilirubin is a substance formed when old red blood cells are broken down in the liver at the end of their working life. Raised levels may indicate a liver problem or a problem with the red blood cells.
- Why do we do this?
- Raised levels of these may indicate early liver damage, and allow us to advise you on how to minimise the health risk from this.
Kidney function
- What is it?
- The kidneys remove some of the body's waste products by filtering the blood. These waste products leave the body in the urine. Urea and creatinine are two waste products removed by the kidneys.
- Why do we do this?
- Higher than normal levels of creatinine and urea in your blood may indicate that the kidneys are not working properly.
- What does it involve?
- The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.
eGFR
- What is it?
- This is a detailed kidney function blood test.
- Why do we do this?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects about 10 percent of the population and may have no symptoms until kidney function is severely reduced.
Mild CKD is also important as it represents a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease. Once identified patients with progressive CKD can be actively treated to preserve remaining kidney function reducing the risk of kidney failure and heart disease.
- What does it involve?
- We calculate this as part of your blood tests.
Gout
- What is it?
- Gout is a painful inflammation of the joints caused by the build up of a substance called uric acid. This test measures the level of uric acid in your body.
- Why do we do this?
- The level of uric acid in your blood may be raised if you have gout or a family history of gout. Taking one of a number of drugs (including alcohol) can also cause a rise in the uric acid level. Uric acid levels can also be raised in kidney disease.
- What does it involve?
- The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.
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Urinalysis
Three tests to help detect diabetes mellitus and kidney problems
- What is it?
- Your urine is tested for blood, glucose and protein, which should not normally be present.
- Why do we do this?
- Either blood or protein in the urine can be a sign of an infection. The presence of glucose (sugar) in the urine may be the first sign of diabetes. If you have glucose in your urine, your blood test may show a high fasting blood glucose level. Significant amounts of protein in the urine can be a sign of kidney disease.
- What does it involve?
- You will be asked to provide a urine sample at the beginning of your assessment. The urine will be analysed and results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.
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Female tests
Breast check
- What is it?
- A breast check is a physical and visual examination of the breasts.
- Why do we do this?
- According to Cancer Research UK, breast cancer accounts for nearly 30 percent of all cancers. Deviations from normal do not necessarily indicate breast disease. All abnormalities must be followed up either with a repeat check or with a referral to a specialist breast clinic.
Breast awareness instruction
- What is it?
- Instruction on self-examination and general awareness of breast appearance and texture.
- Why do we do this?
- Regular examination can ensure early detection of abnormal changes in breast tissue
Cervical smear test
- What is it?
- The purpose of the test is to look for any pre-cancerous changes in the cells that may turn into cancer at a later stage. Pre-cancerous cells can usually be treated easily.
- Why do we do this?
Regular smears can help decrease the risk of getting cervical cancer. According to Cancer Research UK about 2,800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the UK and it is the second commonest cancer in women under 35 years old.
For more information, please read the separate Bupa information sheet Important information for women about the cervical smear test
Pelvic examination
- What is it?
- An internal examination of the vagina, uterus and ovaries together with a physical examination of the pelvic area. This is only carried out if clinically indicated and cannot be carried out if you are menstruating. Please try to arrange your screen mid-cycle to avoid having to return for this part of your assessment.
- Why do we do this?
- Detection of any lumps or masses will allow further investigation to identify their nature and any course of treatment. This test is not infallible, and if you have symptoms that may indicate a pelvic problem we may suggest referral to a specialist.
HPV test
- What is it?
- Some types of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) are associated with the development of cervical cancer in some women. If your smear is abnormal, and HPV is present, then further investigations are needed
- Why do we do this?
- By doing this test we can discover whether an abnormal smear has a higher chance of becoming a cancer. Catching this early means we can reduce the risk of cancer dramatically.
- What does it involve?
- The sample taken for your cervical smear test will also be tested for the presence of HPV.
Mammography (option to purchase)
- What is it?
- A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts.
- Why do we do this?
It is the most effective means of detecting and investigating breast disease. It can detect a change in breast tissue before you can feel anything unusual yourself. NHS screening programmes offer mammography to all women over 50. There is clinically evidence that mammograms from the age of 40 are valuable in detecting early breast cancer. Bupa Wellness offer mammography to all women over 40 (there may be an additional charge).
We recommend women aged 40-50 have mammograms on an annual basis, and those over 50 have mammograms every other year.
- What does the test involve?
It involves having both breasts X-rayed.
For more information, please read the separate Bupa information sheet Important information for women about breast screening mammography.
Rubella antibodies
- What is it?
Rubella (German measles) is usually a mild complaint in adults but it can cause damage to the foetus if women catch the disease during early pregnancy.
Women of child bearing age are tested at their first health assessment to find out if they are immune to rubella. This is not necessary for women who have already had this test elsewhere.
- Why do we do this?
- If the test shows you are not protected from rubella, we recommend that you arrange with your GP to have a vaccination. This is still important even if you are not planning to become pregnant in the near future, because the less rubella there is in the population, the better for everyone.
- What does it involve?
- The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.
To book a Health Assessment call 0845 600 3458.
NEW - You can now book and pay online for your health assessment at our new Wellness Centre in Solihull.
Availability of tests
Due to the prevalence of some diseases on older people some tests are only offered to individuals of a certain age or gender or if clinically indicated (click on the test to see if restrictions apply). For medical reasons, some tests may occasionally be omitted and this will be explained on the day.
Find out about our other assessments
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