The NHS has announced a new initiative aimed at combating cardiovascular diseases by offering convenient and efficient health checks in the workplace. This program is designed to identify individuals at risk of cardiovascular conditions, particularly those with high blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for stroke.
NHS National Clinical Director for Stroke, David Hargroves, emphasized the life-saving potential of early detection through these health checks. 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,” Hargroves said.
Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, also highlighted the broader benefits of health checks. “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 get into those communities who are less likely to attend their general practice,” Gittins explained.
Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Steve Iley, added that the company is investing £15 million annually in global health and wellbeing programs, with workplace health checks being a key part of their strategy. Health checks are a fundamental part of prevention and therefore feature in many of our programmes. Our collaboration with Solihull MBC on the Workplace Cardiovascular Disease Checks Pilot presents a unique opportunity to work together on providing awareness and signposting for our employees,” Iley said.
In addition to the workplace initiative, the government has announced the development of a new digital version of the NHS Health Check, which is expected to be ready for testing in early 2025. This digital service will be accessible through the NHS App, allowing users to undertake their health checks at home, with results automatically written back into their GP electronic health records.
Local authorities in Norfolk (East of England), Medway (South East), and Lambeth (London) have already been selected to pilot the new digital health checks in early 2025. The digital programme aims to deliver over one million checks in its first year, making it easier for people to access vital health services and complementing face-to-face programs.
This comprehensive approach marks a significant step forward in the NHS’s efforts to prevent cardiovascular diseases and improve public health through early detection and intervention.
