Life-Saving Health Checks to Reach Over 130,000 People
More than 130,000 people across the country will be better protected from diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes as the government rolls out a life-saving health check program to workplaces nationwide for the first time (30 August 2024).
The checks, designed to be quick and easy for employees, record a range of information about each patient, which is then used to determine their cardiovascular risk.
Employers from various sectors, including building, hospitality, transport, and social care, will participate in the program.
Today’s announcement aligns with the Health and Social Care Secretary’s commitment to supporting the government’s mission to boost economic growth by improving the nation’s health.
With each check equating to an NHS appointment, these checks will save thousands of hours of valuable NHS time, helping to reduce waiting lists and support the NHS in its recovery.
Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, stated:
“We know many deadly diseases can be avoided if we seek help early enough. That’s why we’re working to improve access to treatment while also addressing the preventable causes of cardiovascular disease.”
“This innovative new program is an important step towards community-focused healthcare, supporting economic and productivity growth by improving health, shifting the focus from treatment to prevention, easing the strain on the NHS, and helping people live well for longer.”
Over 16 million people are eligible for an NHS Health Check, but current data shows that only around 40% of those invited have completed one. This is particularly true for men, who are less likely to seek early help but are more prone to developing cardiovascular disease at a younger age than women. The new program aims to reach more people through their place of work, making it more convenient for individuals to understand and improve their cardiovascular health.
NHS National Clinical Director for Stroke, David Hargroves, said:
“Convenient and efficient NHS checks in the workplace could identify thousands of people at risk of various cardiovascular diseases. With high blood pressure being the leading risk factor for stroke, early detection will undoubtedly save lives.”
“This new program demonstrates the NHS’s commitment to preventing ill health, and I would urge anyone invited for a check to come forward and get support to improve their cardiovascular health.”
Councillor Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, added:
“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.”
“Councils are exploring new ways to boost uptake, targeting individuals or communities at increased risk, and using proactive outreach programs to reach those less likely to attend their general practice.”
“However, more can be done. By partnering with councils and employers, we can ensure that more people get a health check, potentially preventing illness later on.”
Jaguar Land Rover Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Steve Iley, commented:
“Jaguar Land Rover is investing £15 million annually in its global health and wellbeing programs because we know that healthy and happy colleagues help us deliver high-quality products and ensure a positive future for our business. Health checks are a fundamental part of prevention and therefore feature in many of our programs.”
“Our collaboration with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council on the workplace cardiovascular disease checks pilot presents a unique opportunity to provide awareness and signposting for our employees.”
“We are excited to offer these vital checks to approximately 4,500 of our Solihull employees by the end of this financial year, supporting the great work of our NHS.”
Additionally, the government has announced the development of a new digital version of the NHS Health Check, which will be ready for testing in early 2025.
The service will be available through the NHS App, allowing users to undertake their health checks at home and have the results automatically recorded in their GP electronic health record within a few clicks.
Local authorities in Norfolk (East of England), Medway (South East), and Lambeth (London) have been selected to pilot the new digital health checks in early 2025.
The digital program aims to deliver around one million checks in its first four years. Plans are underway to make digital NHS Health Checks available nationwide alongside the face-to-face program to provide patients with more choice.