WHAT? WHERE?

Us girls already know that we’re special, and that the medical profession can take some time to catch up and appreciate we may require special attention. But the experts at The McIndoe Centre in East Grinstead, are way ahead of things. And that’s why they’ve launched a specialist Women’s Health Check service – an intricate health assessment that offers a thorough overview of your physical, mental, and emotional health. I’m not sure Muddy, and our love of wine, will pass with flying colours but hey, no time like the present to find out!

The check takes a 360-degree approach to your welling and essentially serves as a preventative check. It’s similar to the ones some private health insurers carry out, but this is more in-depth and tailored to you. They also have hot chocolate, what else could you want when undergoing a load of tests?

Joking aside, the check covers a range of things. It takes an in-depth look at blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk. There’s also a urine analysis, bowel cancer screening and it address the risk of Type 2 diabetes, anaemia and thyroid function as well as checking how your liver and kidneys are functioning. Hmmm, I might need to cut back on the double G&Ts – but let’s see what the doctor says first.

THE VIBE

The McIndoe Centre is next to Queen Victoria Hospital so there’s lots of parking. I took the scenic route, walking through the local park hoping to make my stress levels look healthier. I’m sure the dried fruit snack I had instead my usual brownie also changed things. (Ahem.) As I walked in I was greeted by two smiling receptionists. It’s certainly not the welcome I get at my NHS GP surgery. I instantly felt at ease as I was invited to make a hot drink. While this is a medical centre, there’s a genuine warmth, superbly clean facilities and happy staff who seem to love their jobs. I felt heard, understood, valued and I knew I was in safe hands.

THE CHECK

If you’re young enough to be over the age of 40 (see what I did there) you are required to do a poo sample in advance. It’s actually not quite as grim as it sounds. There’s also a questionnaire covering things like caffeine consumption and family medical history.

When I arrive, two nurses whisk me off for blood tests. First was a gentle finger prick to fill two little cassettes which went into a machine to test cholesterol and blood sugar. The results came back in – wait for it – six minutes. Unbelievable.

I have always suffered with veins that want to hide so it took a little battle to fill the four vials with blood. I’m not particularly squeamish but it made me a feel a little faint. The nurses though were super-sweet and looked after me well.

The tests are tailored to you, and after the bloods it wasn’t the right time to check my blood pressure. I also didn’t need a wee, so we moved on to the BMI test, and height, weight and waist measurements!

After the urine test and blood pressure was done, it was onto the emotional side. Without any irony, this is when I shed a tear. After a stressful few months, the anxiety test brought a few things home. But that’s why it’s important to check in. The questions aren’t intrusive and the staff are supportive. They’ll tick off memory screening, anxiety and depression, but it’s not too in-depth so you won’t feel wrung-out. This is to ensure they can advise and support in the best way possible. The time taken on your overall wellbeing is refreshing. And you’re really seen as an individual. It’s a long time since I felt that way in a medical environment, and all within an hour-long appointment.

THE DOCTOR

Dr Victoria Fielding was the GP who has all the credentials and specialises in women’s health and contraception and has a lovely calm, kind and informative manner, just what the doctor ordered! Sorry, terrible pun.

She goes through the results which have come in immediately, BMI, urine, bloods and cholesterol flagging anything that may be of concern. She’s happy to discuss any concerns be they menopausal symptoms, or for Muddy it was a dodgy knee that’s affecting my running.

My breasts were examined and I got a little lesson in how to check them, something I really need to start doing! She also looked at my knee, checked it out and gave me the green light to carry on with running, weight training and high heels, in moderation.

Two weeks after the assessment, Dr Vickey will call me to go through the results in more detail and I’ll get an email with everything in so I can ask more questions then.

THE RESULTS

While I wait for the full diagnosis, I can rest easy in the immediate results I was given on the day. My BMI and cholesterol are in the healthy range but at the higher end – always wise to keep an eye on that.

It was full marks for my blood pressure and risk of heart attack and stroke very low at 1.6%. Phew. But again, very wise to take stock of everything, even knowing things are ok in some areas can by default make you mindful of what a privilege that is.

I’ll report back once I’ve the full set of results and my next chat with the doctor.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Anyone wanting to future proof their health and wellbeing. The Woman’s Health check is about early detection, preventive health while putting you in control of your health and feeling empowered. Amen to that!

Not for: I really can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t want to have a 360 health check to feel reassured and have a personalised treatment plan.

You can take advantage of a £200 discount on the Women’s Health Check when you book in October.

Women’s Health Check, £699, The McIndoe Centre, Holtye Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 3EB

What’s up doc? What really happens when you have a preventative health check

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