We’re excited to announce that Health Diagnostics and Merton Health have been recognised as finalists for Digital Solution of the Year at the Health Tech News Primary Care Awards 2025! This award celebrates innovation in primary care, and we’re proud that our digital platform, used by Merton Health (GP Federation) for NHS Health Checks, has been acknowledged for its impact.
Transforming public health in Merton: A digital approach to NHS Health Checks
Since 2017, Merton Health has been delivering NHS Health Checks (NHSHCs), helping local communities take proactive steps toward better cardiovascular health. In 2022, the organisation adopted Health Diagnostics’ suite of digital health IT products, marking a significant milestone in improving service efficiency, patient engagement and public health outcomes across the borough.
Preventative healthcare is better with digital solutions
When Merton Health transitioned to using our IT solution, the impact was immediate: completion rates soared, data integration became seamless, and patient engagement improved significantly. The Borough’s diverse population – marked by stark health inequalities – stood to benefit greatly. With a 10-year gap in life expectancy between its most and least deprived areas, addressing disparities was a key priority, both for the borough and for the NHSHC programme as a whole. Dr Elizabeth Higham, GP and Clinical Lead for NHSHCs in Merton, shares:
“Our ambitions for NHS Health Checks focus on reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk for individuals. Estimated CVD risk is used to identify and prioritise individuals, considering factors like smoking status, deprivation postcodes, gender and cardiovascular history. The aim is to detect vulnerable individuals early, and support them in making changes – whether through lifestyle adjustments or medication – to prevent conditions like stroke, heart attack, chronic kidney disease or vascular dementia, and provide early detection and treatment for high blood pressure or diabetes. HD’s IT modules have been invaluable, especially in sending people their invitations, and using the Interactive Consultations module to deliver the checks.”
How our digital solutions are making a difference
One of the standout features of our system is its Interactive Consultations (IC) module, which automates data integration into clinical systems. Traditionally, results had to be manually transferred to GP records, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors. Now, information flows seamlessly, reducing administrative burdens for healthcare professionals, including those working for the Merton Health GP Federation.
The patient experience was also reported to have been greatly improved. The IC module presents patients’ results using intuitive, color-coded graphics (green, amber, red), making it easier for patients to understand their health status. Patients can also see the potential impact of making lifestyle changes – such as quitting smoking or losing weight – through intuitive visual tools that motivate them to take action. Beyond the consultation room, patients also gain access to a digital portal where they can review their results and find additional support services, such as smoking cessation resources.
One of the key benefits of the system is its ability to streamline referrals and coded transfer. As Dr. Higham explains:
“Previously, referrals for conditions like Non-Diabetic Hyperglycaemia had to be manually recorded. Now, they are automatically coded, eliminating extra work for practices and ensuring any patients deemed suitable by the practice are connected to the right support services.”
The system also includes educational prompts for healthcare providers, ensuring that key health concepts – such as blood pressure and cholesterol – are clearly explained to patients. Automated reminders reduce incomplete health checks, increasing overall service efficiency. Laura Jenkins, NHSHC Admin Lead at Merton, highlights the operational improvements:
“The biggest impact has been the significant increase in completed NHSHCs. In 2021-2022, 59 checks were marked as incomplete, requiring follow-ups. Now, completion rates are nearly 100%. Most invitations are sent via SMS, saving time and costs.”
Empowering commissioners with actionable data
Beyond improving patient outcomes, HD’s system provides powerful data analytics tools, allowing Merton Health to generate reports for commissioners and track key health trends. It provides real-time analysis so a proactive approach to the health checks can be adopted. As Laura Jenkins notes:
“The reporting side is outstanding. It allows us to present key data to commissioners, such as the number of patients diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes following an NHSHC. Whether we need data from today, the past three months or a full year, the system makes it easy to access.”
Dr. Higham adds:
“The public health team at the council has been incredibly supportive and forward-thinking. They’ve noticed the improvements we’ve made since using Health Diagnostics’ system, and it really feels like a collaborative effort to improve health outcomes in Merton.”
A future-focused on prevention and digital innovation
By embracing digital tools and data-driven healthcare, Merton Health has transformed the way its NHS Health Checks are delivered. With increased efficiency, better patient engagement, and enhanced identification of lifestyle behaviours that could lead to future ill-health, the Borough is making strides toward a healthier future.
This case study highlights the power of collaboration – between healthcare providers, technology innovators, and local authorities – to fuel meaningful change. As digital solutions evolve, they will continue to play a vital role in the future of preventative healthcare.