Health

NHS England to introduce free pharmacy cholesterol checks starting this autumn

Participating pharmacies will offer seven-minute finger-prick tests and immediate consultation to eligible adults aged 40 to 84.

Updated Aug 31, 2026 · 05:24 UTC1 reports

The short version

NHS England will begin offering free high-street finger-prick cholesterol tests for adults aged 40 to 84 who are not pregnant and have not had a blood test in the past year.
The seven-minute tests, which yield immediate results, will be paired with blood pressure checks, lifestyle advice, and potential statin prescriptions from qualified pharmacist prescribers.
The initiative aims to curb cardiovascular illness as part of a 10-year strategy to reduce heart disease and stroke deaths by 25% over the next decade.
The first phase will launch this autumn across approximately 100 NHS pharmacies in England following a successful trial in North London.

The national program will offer free, seven-minute finger-prick cholesterol tests to adults aged 40 to 84 who meet eligibility criteria, including not having received a blood test in the past year.[The Guardian]
Pharmacist prescribers will analyze the blood sample immediately, provide a copy of the results via email, check blood pressure, offer lifestyle guidance, and prescribe statins if deemed necessary.[The Guardian]
The initiative's rollout begins this autumn across roughly 100 NHS pharmacies in England.[The Guardian]
The program was announced during the European Society of Cardiology's annual congress in Munich.[The Guardian]
A pilot initiative in North London involving 2,493 patients identified 19% as being at high risk for a stroke or heart attack within ten years, leading to statin prescriptions for at least 88 individuals.[The Guardian]