Walsall selected to pilot workplace health checks

Walsall has been selected as one of 48 local authorities in England to pilot a new scheme that will see CVD (cardiovascular disease) health checks carried out in workplace settings from September 2024 to March 2025.

The Workplace Cardiovascular Disease Health Checks Pilot grant scheme will bring together local authorities with employers to deliver NHS Health Checks into workplaces across the country. The multi-million-pound programme (of £6.67 million) will see employers offer comprehensive heart health checks that can detect and prevent a range of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, as well as some cases of dementia.

Walsall has been awarded £29,600 of the funding available.

As part of the national programme more than 100,000 people will receive quick and easy checks in their workplaces. In Walsall, over 600 checks will be available. Employers from a range of industries will take part, including those from buildings, hospitality and transport sectors and the social care sector.

The workplace checks will provide the equivalent of an NHS Health Check. In Walsall, they will be piloted with 30–74-year-olds (the national programme offers checks for 40–74-year-olds) as this will provide greater access to those who are of working age and may have risk factors associated with CVD.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council said, “We are delighted to be part of this national pilot which will see more people come forward for a health check. 

“We know that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death and disability, accounting for around 1 in 4 deaths in England across all ages in 2022. However, 80% of cardiovascular diseases are preventable and regular health checks are one of the ways we can identify potential risks and help people take control of their cardiovascular health. Stopping smoking, eating good food, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake and ensuring we get enough exercise are key to maintaining our heart health. 

“The NHS Health Check is usually offered to eligible people aged 40-74 with no pre-existing health conditions every five years and it aims to prevent a range of diseases. The new pilot programme will diversify the way in which health checks are being delivered by offering them out to a broader cohort in workplaces across Walsall and in England.

“By delivering NHS Health Checks in targeted workplaces, we hope to reach people who may be at higher risk of developing CVD and keep them healthy at work, as we know that poor health is a leading cause of people not being able to work.”

To learn more about the government announcement visit the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/over-130000-people-to-benefit-from-life-saving-health-checks

If you would like more health and wellbeing support to reduce your risk of CVD, please contact Be Well Walsall on 01922 444044 or visit https://bww.maximusuk.co.uk. 

Residents can also access support to cut down on alcohol through The Beacon – Change Grow Live. Visit https://www.changegrowlive.org/the-beacon-walsall/hubs or call 01922 669840