Life-saving NHS health checks are to be offered in workplaces across the country, a move that could prevent hundreds of cases of disease and free up GP appointments, the Government has announced.
More than 130,000 people will receive checks aimed at protecting them from heart and kidney diseases as well as diabetes. Currently, over 16 million people are eligible for an NHS Health Check, but only around 40 per cent of those invited complete one.
The new programme targets employees in building, hospitality, transport and social care sectors, making it more convenient for people to understand and improve their cardiovascular health. Each check is expected to save thousands of hours of NHS time, helping to cut waiting lists.
In addition, a digital version of the NHS Health Check will be ready for testing in early 2025, available through the NHS App. Users will be able to undertake the check at home, with results automatically sent to their GP record. Local authorities in Norfolk, Medway, and Lambeth will pilot the digital checks, which are predicted to deliver around one million checks in their first four years.
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. This innovative new programme is an important step towards community-focused healthcare and supporting economic productivity through improving health, shifting the focus from treatment to prevention.”
