The average life expectancy of people with serious mental illness (SMI) is up to 25 years shorter than that of the general population. Whereas causes of death are largely related to smoking, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes, and also suicide, studies have shown that medications prescribed for treating SMI, along with lifestyles, can increase the risk of premature death.

In addition, people with a SMI are less likely to receive physical health monitoring. Care co-ordinators have a responsibility to check a client’s physical health routinely and this article describes one adult client’s care and treatment plan. Ethical dilemmas arose as management of the client’s mental illness posed risks to his physical health. Using the care planning approach in regular multidisciplinary meetings, a feasible regimen was devised, which remains under close scrutiny. The need for physical health monitoring training for mental health nurses is demonstrated, as is the value of nurse-led health check clinics.