For the first time, the government has announced a life-saving health check programme for workplaces across the country.

The government estimates that introducing the programme will better protect more than 130,000 people across the country from diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.

The checks, which can be completed quickly and easily for employees at work, record a range of information about each patient, which is then used to determine their cardiovascular risk.

Employers from a range of professions will take part in the programme including those from the building, hospitality and transport sectors, and social care.

The announcement is part of Wes Streeting’s (the health and social care secretary) commitment to supporting the government’s mission to boost economic growth by improving the health of the nation.

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.

“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.”

With every check providing the equivalent of an NHS appointment, these checks will save thousands of hours of valuable NHS time, helping to cut waiting lists and rebuild the NHS.

David Hargroves, NHS national clinical director for Stroke, said, “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.”

Over 16m people are eligible for an NHS Health Check, but data shows that only 40 per cent of those invited completed one. This is especially true for men, who are less likely to get early help but who are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease at an earlier age than women.

The programme aims to reach more people through their place of work and make it easier for them to understand and improve their cardiovascular health.

Louise Gittins, the Local Government Association chair, 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.”

Digital checks

In addition, the government has announced the development of a 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, meaning users can undertake their health check at home and have the results automatically written back into their GP electronic health record.

Local authorities in Norfolk (east of England), Medway (south-east) and Lambeth (London) have been selected to pilot the new digital health checks in 2025.

The digital programme will deliver around one million checks in its first four years. Plans are being implemented to make digital NHS Health Checks available nationally, alongside the face-to-face programme to give patients greater choice.

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