Northwest HealthBAMBER BRIDGE · PRESTON

Doctor-led preventive health for Lancashire, Cheshire and the Lakes

Tests that change what happens next.

Every test in our programmes is there because finding the problem early leads to something that helps you. We show you the strength of evidence behind each one, and we keep the less proven tests separate so you can choose them knowingly.

Book a free 15-minute call See every test and why
Strong evidenceIncluded for everyone it applies to

Backed by UK guidance or large trials, and linked to a treatment that works.

Evidence when indicatedAdded according to your risk

Useful for people with a specific risk, symptom or family history. Not for everyone.

Limited evidenceOptional, by informed choice

May give interesting information, but not yet shown to improve health when used to screen well people.

Three layers, built around you

A test is only worth doing if the result could change a decision. That principle decides what goes into your programme and what stays out.

Layer 1

The core

The checks with the strongest evidence for preventing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, bowel cancer and dementia. Everyone gets these.

Layer 2

Risk-directed tests

Scans and specialist tests chosen after your history, family background and core results. A heart calcium score if your risk is borderline, a lung scan if you smoked, a bone scan if your fracture risk is raised.

Layer 3

Optional extras

Whole-body MRI, gut microbiome and similar tests. Available if you want them, with an honest explanation of what they can and cannot tell you.

Every test, and why it is there

Laboratory tests are processed by our accredited partner laboratory. Scans are performed at partner imaging centres and reported by consultant radiologists.

TestEvidenceWho it is forBasis
Heart, circulation and stroke
QRISK3 10-year risk scoreUses your bloods, blood pressure and historyStrongEveryone 25–84NICE NG238
Blood pressureClinic reading, with home monitoring if raisedStrongEveryoneNICE NG136
Full lipid profile and ApoBStrongEveryoneNICE NG238; ESC 2021
Lipoprotein(a)Measured once in a lifetimeStrongEveryone, onceHEART UK; EAS 2022 consensus
Familial hypercholesterolaemia checkInherited high cholesterol score, with family testing if foundStrongTotal cholesterol above 7.5 or LDL 4.9 or higherNICE CG71
Heart rhythm check (pulse, ECG)When indicatedAge 65+, palpitations or abnormal pulseNICE NG196
Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoreLow-dose CT of the heart arteriesWhen indicatedBorderline or intermediate QRISK3, age 40+ESC 2021 prevention guideline
EchocardiogramWhen indicatedMurmur, breathlessness, raised NT-proBNP or family historyNICE NG106
NT-proBNPWhen indicatedAge 50+ or symptomsNICE NG106
Abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasoundStrongMen 65+, or earlier with strong riskUK NSC AAA screening
Metabolism, kidneys and liver
HbA1cStrongEveryoneNICE PH38
Kidney function (eGFR) and urine albuminStrongEveryoneNICE NG203
Cystatin CWhen indicatedBorderline eGFR, or high or low muscle massNICE NG203
Liver function tests, with fibrosis scoring if abnormalWhen indicatedEveryone; FIB-4 or ELF if risk factorsNICE NG49
Waist measurement and body compositionWaist-to-height ratio, and a professional body composition analyserStrongEveryoneNICE NG246
Cancer
Bowel screening (FIT)Or ColoAlert, which includes the same FIT plus DNA markersStrongAge 50+, or earlier with family historyNHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Low-dose lung CTStrongAge 55–74 with a significant smoking historyNELSON trial; UK NSC 2022
Hereditary cancer gene panel35 genes, with a pre-test counselling video, and a genetic counsellor appointment if a gene change is foundStrongOnly if your family history meets criteriaNHS National Genomic Test Directory
PSA, with Proclarix if borderlineWhen indicatedMen 50+ after a shared decision; earlier if Black or with family historyProstate Cancer Risk Management Programme
Cervical and breast screeningStrongWe check you are up to date with NHS invitationsNHS screening programmes
Skin examination by your GPExamination by eye, with referral of anything suspicious, NHS or privateWhen indicatedMany moles, previous skin cancer or family historyNICE NG14
Lungs and smoking
Smoking status and brief adviceWith referral or treatment to help you stopStrongEveryoneNICE NG209
Lung function screenHandheld test with "lung age"; full spirometry arranged if abnormalWhen indicatedCurrent or ex-smokers 35+, or cough or breathlessnessNICE NG115
Bones, strength and fitness
Fracture risk (FRAX), with DEXA if raisedStrongWomen 50+, men 50+ with risk factorsNOGG 2021
Grip strength, sit-to-stand and walking speedStrongEveryonePredict future health; guide exercise, which has strong evidence (UK CMO guidelines)
Aerobic fitness estimateStrongEveryone who can exercise safelyLarge cohort studies; guides exercise prescription (UK CMO guidelines)
Physical activity questionnaire and brief adviceStrongEveryoneNICE PH44
Falls and frailty assessmentBalance, walking speed and the Clinical Frailty ScaleStrongAge 65+, or a fall in the past yearNICE NG249
Brain, mind and senses
Hearing checkWhen indicatedAge 40+, or if you notice hearing difficultyLancet Commission on dementia 2024
Brief memory and thinking checkWhen indicatedAge 65+, or if you or family notice changesNICE NG97
Mood and anxiety questionnaires (PHQ-9, GAD-7)When indicatedEveryone is asked brief questions; full questionnaires if neededNICE NG222, CG113
Alcohol check (AUDIT-C)StrongEveryoneNICE PH24
Sleep apnoea questionnaire (STOP-Bang)When indicatedSnoring, daytime sleepiness or raised blood pressureNICE NG202
Eye health check reminderWe check you are up to date with sight testsWhen indicatedAge 40+, family history of glaucoma, or diabetesNICE NG81
Loneliness and social connection checkThree short questions, with signposting if helpfulWhen indicatedAge 65+, or living aloneLarge cohort studies
General health
Full blood countWhen indicatedEveryone, as a low-cost baselineLimited screening evidence; useful reference for future results
Thyroid functionWhen indicatedWomen 50+, tiredness, weight change or family historyNICE NG145
Iron, B12 and folateWhen indicatedTiredness, diet, heavy periods or medicines that affect themNICE CKS
Testosterone or menopause hormonesWhen indicatedOnly with symptomsBSSM 2023; NICE NG23
Vaccination reviewFlu, COVID-19, pneumococcal, shingles and RSV, with signposting to NHS vaccines you are eligible forStrongEveryone, by ageUK Green Book; JCVI
Medication reviewStrongAge 65+, or 5 or more regular medicinesNICE NG5

Tests marked "When indicated" are included in your programme if your history or core results call for them. If they are not needed, we will tell you why rather than run them anyway.

Choose how far we go together

All three programmes use the same evidence-based approach. They differ in how many risk-directed scans are included and how long we follow you.

Baseline

A thorough, evidence-based health assessment with a clear written plan.

£1,450One clinic visit, plus a home bowel kit if due

Assessment

  • Pre-assessment call with a GP
  • Every core test from Layer 1
  • Physiotherapist-led strength, balance and fitness testing, with body composition and a lung function screen
  • Smoking, alcohol, activity, mood, hearing and sleep checks
  • Vaccination and medication review

Results

  • 60-minute results consultation with a GP
  • Written plan with your three priorities
  • Follow-up call at 90 days
Enquire about Baseline
Advanced

The core, plus the scans and specialist tests your risk profile calls for.

£3,950Clinic visit plus scan appointments as needed

Everything in Baseline, plus

  • Up to two risk-directed scans, such as CAC score, DEXA, aneurysm ultrasound, low-dose lung CT or echocardiogram
  • Risk-directed blood tests, such as cystatin C, NT-proBNP, PSA or hormones
  • ColoAlert bowel screening, which includes FIT, as your bowel test where appropriate
  • Hereditary cancer gene panel (35 genes) if your family history qualifies, with a pre-test counselling video, and a genetic counsellor appointment if a gene change is found. Faster and wider than NHS testing, which we can also refer you for

Results and follow-up

  • 90-minute results consultation
  • Personal exercise prescription from our physiotherapist
  • 6-month review with repeat of any abnormal results
Enquire about Advanced
Signature

A year of doctor-led prevention, with every indicated test and close follow-up.

£7,95012-month programme

Everything in Advanced, plus

  • All indicated risk-directed scans and tests, with no cap
  • Three physiotherapy sessions to put your exercise plan into practice
  • Repeat core blood tests at 12 months

Care through the year

  • Named GP with a direct contact route
  • Quarterly reviews
  • Coordination of any specialist referral, NHS or private
  • One optional extra of your choice from the list below, up to £400
Enquire about Signature

Optional extras

These can be added to any programme. Some are specialist tests that are valuable in the right situation. Others are newer tests where the benefit for healthy people is not yet proven. We say which is which.

Brain and body MRI, head to pelvis£875

Can find structural problems before symptoms. Not shown to improve survival in well people, and often finds harmless changes that lead to further tests.

Limited evidence
Brain and body MRI with whole spine£1,075

As above, adding the neck, mid and lower back.

Limited evidence
Brain and body MRI with spine and one further area£1,295

As above, plus one area of your choice, such as a knee or shoulder.

Limited evidence
Extended longevity blood panel£1,499

A much wider set of markers, including inflammation, vitamins and trace elements. Most results will not change your plan; some may prompt a discussion.

Limited evidence
MyGuut gut microbiome analysis£325

Describes the bacteria in your gut. A developing science with no agreed "healthy" profile yet.

Limited evidence
Cellular NAD+ level£300

A blood test measuring a molecule linked to cellular energy. There is no established target level or proven treatment.

Limited evidence
suPAR inflammation and biological age£275

A blood test for suPAR, a stable marker of long-term, low-grade inflammation, reported as an estimated biological age. In large studies higher levels predict heart disease, diabetes and earlier death, and levels can fall with weight loss, exercise and stopping smoking. Not yet shown to improve health when used to screen well people.

Limited evidence
ColoAlert upgrade (replaces your FIT)£244

ColoAlert includes the same FIT used in NHS screening, so it replaces the FIT in Baseline rather than adding to it. It also looks for tumour DNA in the stool, which picks up some cancers that FIT alone misses. The FIT part has strong evidence; the DNA part has not yet been tested in outcome trials. Not a substitute for colonoscopy. Supplied by a company in which our Medical Director has an interest.

Strong (FIT part) DNA part: when indicated

Already included in Advanced and Signature where appropriate.

Hereditary cancer gene panel, outside criteria£599.99

35 genes. You watch a pre-test counselling video before testing, and if a gene change is found we book you an appointment with a genetic counsellor to explain it. Without a family history, the chance of a meaningful finding is low.

Limited evidence
24-hour or 48-hour heart rhythm monitor£395 / £425

Valuable if you have palpitations, dizziness or blackouts.

Evidence when indicated
Cardiac MRI£995

For specific heart questions, such as an abnormal echocardiogram or family history of cardiomyopathy.

Evidence when indicated
Prostate MRI (multiparametric)£825

The recommended next step after a raised PSA, before any biopsy.

Evidence when indicated
Breast MRI£925

For women at high inherited risk, alongside NHS breast screening.

Evidence when indicated
Not included in our programmes as routine screening. Tumour marker blood tests (such as CA125 or CEA) and thyroid ultrasound for people without symptoms. In healthy people the evidence suggests these cause more false alarms than benefit, so we do not add them to programmes by default. They remain available when there is a clinical reason, or after a discussion with your GP.

How it works

Step 1

Talk it through

A free call about your history, family risk and what you want to know. We recommend a programme, or tell you honestly if you do not need one.

Step 2

Your assessment

Core tests, fitness testing and questionnaires at our Bamber Bridge clinic. Your GP then agrees any risk-directed scans with you before they are booked.

Step 3

Results and follow-through

Your GP goes through everything in person, agrees your priorities, arranges any referral and sends a summary to your NHS GP with your permission.

A private clinic, just off the M6 and M61.

Parking at the door and discreet appointment times. MRI scans take place at our partner centres in Preston and Newton-le-Willows. CT scans, including the heart calcium score and lung CT, are at Salford; ultrasound and echocardiograms at Salford or Liverpool; and DEXA bone scans at Denton.

Dr Chun How TangMBChB MBA MRCGP · Medical Director · Member of the Independent Doctors Federation
Nathan BrigantiMSc HCPC · Advanced practice physiotherapist and MSK sonographer

Typical drive times to the clinic

Preston city centre10 min
Lytham St Annes25 min
Ribble Valley30 min
Manchester45 min
South Lakes55 min

3–4 Dollywaggon Way, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6EW
Registered with the Care Quality Commission

Questions worth asking before you book

Why don't you include more tests?

Because every extra test in a healthy person carries a chance of a false alarm, and false alarms lead to more tests, worry and sometimes harm. We include what is likely to help, explain what is optional, and leave out what the evidence says does more harm than good.

Why is whole-body MRI an optional extra?

It can find serious problems early, but studies have not shown that scanning healthy people this way helps them live longer. It also finds harmless changes in many people, which can lead to anxiety and further investigation. If you want one, we will talk through these trade-offs first.

What happens if you find something?

Your GP explains it in person, arranges any referral, NHS or private, and stays your point of contact until it is resolved. We use agreed thresholds for "watch" and "act", so small findings are not over-investigated.

Is this a replacement for NHS screening?

No. Keep attending NHS bowel, breast, cervical and aneurysm screening when invited. We check you are up to date and, with your permission, share our findings with your NHS GP.

Do you have financial interests in any tests?

Yes. Our Medical Director has an interest in the company that supplies ColoAlert. They are only recommended where appropriate, and you are free to choose alternatives.

Will my insurance pay?

Most insurers do not cover screening without symptoms. Some corporate plans do. We provide an itemised invoice.

Start with a free 15-minute call.

We will tell you honestly which programme, if any, is right for you.

Book your call