Forum Topic

Randox Health Checkover advised?

Being the mighty age I've reached.. I wondered whether I should subject my body to a full MOT type inspection! In the local Herald newspaper, Randox in Chiswick are offering a package of care for £295.(2 health checks per year,up to 150 data points measured, follow up consultation with expert advice).I wonder whether if treatment on my body is necessary.. could it be referred to my GP.. to avoid expense that I couldn't afford?Often GPs might want to deal with one issue at a time.. Randox might give instant answers.

Jim Lawes ● 1529d21 Comments

I am a retired NHS physician. Randox is a purely commercial organisation. I wouldn't trust them an inch. I walk past their new facilities daily and nothing inspires me.

Michael Preece ● 1529d

I know absolutely nothing about it but ‘150 data points’ sounds like BS to me.

Michael David Rowe ● 1528d

Jim, My GP told me to listen to my body then seek help as required. Don't go looking for something.  Most elderly people die WITH something like cancer rather than FROM it.

Sean Wales ● 1528d

Agree with Sean.

Janice Evans ● 1528d

Thank you for your replies...which suggest a big thumbs down for this Health establishment located in the centre of town.Perhaps I should try somewhere like the Syon Clinic at Gillette Corner..which I have attended before.It would be sad to be told that "you should have called to see us 6 months ago"! Perhaps listening to my  body has hinted at things..and so a detailed check up would be reassuring."Mr Lawes you have 24 hours to live..and that's the good news. The bad news is "I should have told you yesterday!"I appreciate that many people have to live with their sad health news... so I must carry on appreciatively.

Jim Lawes ● 1528d

I too agree with Sean.  There will be establishments only too eager to find things which may never be a trouble to you.  If you don't know about them you can't worry about them.  With healthcare being rationed you could also find yourself not being offered the care you want.  If you are already really worried about something then you should be seeing your GP and asking more than once until you get a satisfactory answer.

Philippa Bond ● 1528d

Reminds me of that "do you have back issues" and once you say yes they roll out some contraption you stand up against and eventually tell you that the reason for your back issues is one leg is shorter than the other.

Julian Pavey ● 1528d

If your body is hinting at something I'd certainly go for the 150 point test.  A lot of it will be blood results and the bleedin' obvious like temperature, blood pressure and lung function.  There's nothing better than getting the all clear, but if something were to show up then it would be money well spent. Fingers crossed you're as fit as a flea.

Viv Griffiths ● 1528d

" eventually tell you that the reason for your back issues is one leg is shorter than the other. "You could always go elsewhere for a second opinion. Maybe the real reason is that one leg is longer than the other.michael adams...

Michael Adams ● 1528d

Is that the same Randox that made millions out of test and trace and squirrel away their profits in the Isle of Man?

Peter Evans ● 1527d

It is the same - although they're based in Crumlin, N. Ireland.  They were the ones employing Owen Paterson MP to lobby on their behalf.  My son worked for them for a while and his views on the company are not very complimentary.

David Darlow ● 1527d

After reading the two previous observations on Randox Jim, I would steer well clear of Randox, live well and stay well.

Denis I. Fox ● 1527d

I would much rather it was still Barclays Bank..I did have a Covid antibodies test there which I found useful even though the results were late and not easy to understand.  It would be better if the test results were delivered with a one to one consultation explaining the implications and recommendations. The NHS aren't great on tests and only give the absolute minimum so I am in favour of tests to see how one's body is doing. But I am not convinced about Randox and their bold adverising claims v the reality.  Basically you turn up, you give blood and several days later you get reams of emailed results with a lot of stats you may have difficulty interpreting and knowing what to do with. 

Jackie Elton ● 1526d

Thank you for your great replies.. I now no longer feel a need to attend there!Currently in the Herald newspaper  ..Randox  are advertising  for a 'Front of House/Sales Assistant' and a 'Phlebotomist' (immediate starts avaliable!).BUPA might charge twice the price for an MOT... but yesterday I attended a  Reunion of Round  Table and Rotary friends..and they told me 'I looked great (for my age!)'And that will do me!

Jim Lawes ● 1526d

If you are a Private Eye reader you will get regular updates on the doings of Randox. They recently changed domicile to minimise the tax they pay on the supernormal profits they made because of their huge margins during the pandemic. They may appreciate the irony that all this money ultimately came from the tax payer. My concern would be that the 150 tests would be the basis for upselling a lot of further possibly unnecessary medical treatments.

Mark Evans ● 1526d

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/jul/27/uk-health-department-played-fast-and-loose-when-awarding-covid-contracts-to-randox

Philippa Bond ● 1517d

Have to say I'm amazed they went with the Randox brand for their health check offering. The association with the Owen Patterson scandal and the recalled coronavirus tests would have been very damaging for the brand. I see no good reason why you should trust this company.

Mark Evans ● 1517d

At least it's out in the open even if it stinks of corruption.I don't trust the brand NHS given my experienceand nor do many people who work for it.https://www.england.nhs.uk/2019/10/nhs-whistle-blower-support-scheme-to-roll-out-across-the-country/

Ben Gemmingen ● 1517d

Hi JimYou could ask your GP to do some routine blood tests and, if you are not already, sign up to the bowel screening programme.If you want to look at an alternative option to Bupa then I can suggest a private GP that undertakes annual health checks. DM if you want their details.

Anne Meagher ● 1516d

Thank you Anne.My first appointment with a new Doctor is in the pipeline... and I shall keep in mind your suggestions when I meet him/her.My previous Dr was great but I'm now outside her catchment area (postcodes and all that)Hasn't this thread been revealing! Bring back Barclays by the sound of it. Not that my wellness with Barclays is that brilliant!

Jim Lawes ● 1516d

If you know there is something wrong then you do need to insist on some attention.  Many problems do eventually go away but you know your body best.

Philippa Bond ● 1515d