The NHS will start offering health MOTs to workplaces across the UK for the first time as part of government efforts to boost early interventions and improve the nation’s health and productivity.
Under the new programme of health checks, more than 130,000 people are expected to benefit from better protection from heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.
The NHS health MOTs can be conducted at work and will examine a range of information, which will be used to assess employees’ cardiovascular risk.
Employers from the building, hospitality and transport sectors, as well as social care, are taking part in the programme.
Improve access to treatment
Andrew Gwynne, minister for public health and prevention, said: “We know so many deadly diseases can be avoided if we seek help in enough time. That’s why we’re working to improve access to treatment while also taking steps to address the preventable causes of cardiovascular disease.”
He said the new programme is an important step towards community-focused healthcare.
By improving health and shifting the focus from treatment to prevention, the government aims to ease the strain on the NHS and help people to live well for longer, he said, adding that a healthier nation will boost productivity and the UK economy.
Low take up among men
More than 16 million people are already eligible for an NHS Health Check, often conducted by their GP, but current data shows that only around 40 percent of those invited went on to complete one.
Men are less likely to get early help, but they are also more likely to develop cardiovascular disease at an earlier age than women. The new NHS health check aims to reach more people through their place of work by making it more convenient.
Jaguar Land Rover and Solihull MBC
“Jaguar Land Rover is investing £15 million 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. Health checks are a fundamental part of prevention and therefore feature in many of our programmes,” said Steve Iley, chief medical officer at the employer.
Iley continued: “Our collaboration with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council on the workplace cardiovascular disease checks pilot presents a unique opportunity to work together on providing awareness and signposting for our employees.
“We are excited to provide these vital checks to approximately 4,500 of our Solihull employees before the end of this financial year, thus supporting the great work of our NHS.”
NHS national clinical director for stroke David Hargroves commented: “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 the biggest risk factor for stroke, early detection will undoubtedly save lives.
“This new programme shows the NHS is committed to preventing ill health and I would urge anyone invited for a check to come forward and get support to improve their cardiovascular health.”
Employers and councils partner up
Councillor Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association, said: “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 programmes to get into those communities who are less likely to attend their general practice.
“However, there is more that can be done, and by partnering council and employers, we can make sure more people get a health check and hopefully prevent illness later on.”
The government has also announced the development of a new digital version of the NHS Health Check which will be ready for testing early in 2025. Local authorities in Norfolk, Medway and Lambeth have been selected to pilot the digital checks at home.
