Workplaces can host free NHS health checks

Around one in three people who have a heart attack are of working age

Workplaces in East Yorkshire can now host free NHS health checks as part of a pilot scheme funded by Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

East Riding of Yorkshire Council, along with 47 other local authorities, has been allocated funding to run the scheme until the end of March 2025.

Organisations can apply to the council to host the free health checks for employees aged 30 to 74.

Councillor Jonathan Owen said: “These checks save lives”.

The council said they would like local employers to support people to stay well in work

NHS health checks aim to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of death and disability in England, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some cases of dementia.

The health check involves calculating a person’s risk of heart disease through assessing the seven main risk factors - smoking status, body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, physical activity level, cholesterol level, blood pressure and blood sugar level.

A person is then supported to reduce their risk of CVD through behaviour change interventions and preventative action.

CVD accounted for almost one in four of deaths in England across all ages in 2022. The Department of Health said 80% of cases are preventable.

Mr Owen said: “These checks save lives, and it’s estimated that nationally 300 premature deaths per year are prevented through the programme.

“However, only about 40% of people who are offered a check, take it up."

Organisations that would like to host workplace NHS health checks can contact the council by emailing: [e-mail].

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