More than 130,000 individuals across the United Kingdom will benefit from the government’s new NHS Health Check programme, aimed at preventing life-threatening diseases and alleviating pressure on the National Health Service (NHS).
The initiative, announced today, marks the first time these vital health checks are being extended to workplaces nationwide. Employees from diverse sectors, including construction, hospitality, transport, and social care, will now have the opportunity to undergo quick and convenient health assessments at their place of work.
The NHS Health Checks programme is designed to identify risks of cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, and diabetes early on. By recording comprehensive health data, the programme assesses each individual’s cardiovascular risk, facilitating timely interventions that can save lives. Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, highlighted the programme’s dual benefits: “This innovative new programme is an important step towards community-focused healthcare and supporting economic and productivity through improving health, shifting the focus from treatment to prevention, easing the strain on the NHS and helping people to live well for longer.”
Local authorities in Norfolk, Medway, and Lambeth have been chosen as pilot sites to trial digital health checks conducted at home. This digital version, set for testing in early 2025, will be accessible via the NHS App, allowing users to complete their health assessments remotely. The results will be seamlessly integrated into their GP electronic health records, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Despite over 16 million people being eligible for an NHS Health Check, only around 40% of those invited have participated to date. The new workplace initiative aims to increase this uptake by making health checks more accessible and convenient, particularly targeting men who are less likely to seek early medical assistance but are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases at a younger age compared to women.
NHS National Clinical Director for Stroke, David Hargroves, emphasised the programme’s life-saving potential: “Convenient and efficient NHS checks in the workplace could spot thousands of people at risk of a range of cardiovascular diseases, and with high blood pressure being the biggest risk factor for stroke, early detection will undoubtedly save lives.”
Local Government Association Chair, Cllr Louise Gittins, echoed this sentiment, stating, “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. By partnering councils and employers, we can ensure more people get a health check and hopefully prevent illness later on.”
Major employers are also backing the programme. Dr Steve Iley, Chief Medical Officer at Jaguar Land Rover, announced the company’s commitment to the initiative: “JLR is investing £15m a year in its global health and wellbeing programmes because we know that healthy and happy colleagues help us to deliver high-quality products and ensure a positive future for our business. Our collaboration with Solihull MBC on the Workplace Cardiovascular Disease Checks Pilot presents a unique opportunity to provide awareness and signposting for our employees.”
The rollout is part of Health and Social Care Secretary’s broader strategy to enhance public health and support economic growth by fostering a healthier workforce. By shifting the focus from treatment to prevention, the programme aims to reduce the incidence of preventable diseases and free up NHS resources, thereby cutting waiting lists and enabling the NHS to better serve those in need.
In addition to the workplace checks, the government plans to deliver approximately one million digital NHS Health Checks over the next four years. This initiative will complement the existing face-to-face programme, offering individuals greater flexibility and choice in managing their health.
As the programme expands, it represents a significant step forward in the UK’s public health strategy, aiming to safeguard the nation’s health while supporting the sustainability of the NHS.