Over the next six months, more than 130,000 workers across England will be offered complimentary health assessments at their workplaces as part of a new initiative aimed at reducing the incidence of heart disease. Beginning in September, employees from various sectors, including construction and hospitality, will have the opportunity to undergo quick, convenient health checks designed to evaluate their risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This serious health condition can lead to heart attacks and strokes, making early detection and prevention crucial.
Eligible participants, aged 40 to 74 and without certain pre-existing heart-related conditions, will be invited to take part in these assessments. The initiative seeks to broaden the reach of NHS Health Checks, which have been available since 2009, and is expected to help save considerable NHS time and reduce waiting lists by catching potential issues early.
The government sees this programme as a strategic move to improve public health outcomes while also addressing broader economic concerns by reducing the burden on the NHS. The checks will not only focus on heart disease but also aim to prevent related conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and some forms of dementia.
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne highlighted a significant gap in the current uptake of NHS Health Checks. Despite over 16 million people being eligible, only 40% have taken advantage of the service. He pointed out that men, in particular, are less likely to seek early intervention yet are more prone to developing CVD at a younger age compared to women.
This new programme aims to reach more people through their place of work and make it more convenient for people to understand and improve their cardiovascular health.
Andrew Gwynne, Health Minister
The health checks will include a lifestyle questionnaire and measurements of height, weight, waist, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Participants’ smoking status, family history of coronary heart disease, and cholesterol levels will also be recorded.
Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association, emphasised the life-saving potential of these checks, saying,
Health checks can save lives. They can prevent people from developing largely preventable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and liver disease.
Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association
In addition to the workplace checks, the government has announced plans for a digital version of the NHS Health Check, set to be trialled next year in Norfolk, Medway, and the London borough of Lambeth. This digital initiative is expected to deliver one million checks in its first four years, with the potential for a nationwide rollout alongside traditional face-to-face assessments.
The introduction of these workplace health checks marks a significant and positive step towards addressing the ongoing crisis within the NHS. By proactively identifying and managing health risks among the working population, the initiative could help reduce the strain on healthcare services, ultimately leading to shorter waiting times and more efficient use of NHS resources.
While this initiative is a step in the right direction, more comprehensive efforts are needed to tackle the challenges facing the NHS. Employers across the UK can play a vital role in this by implementing additional health and wellbeing programmes in the workplace. For instance, offering regular on-site health screenings, promoting mental health support services, and encouraging a culture of physical activity can all contribute to a healthier workforce. Moreover, flexible working arrangements and stress management resources can help reduce the overall demand on NHS services by fostering better work-life balance and reducing chronic health issues among employees.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.