Businesses across Calderdale are being encouraged to take advantage of FREE NHS Workplace Health Checks now available to all their employees. This vital initiative, aimed at improving the health and well-being of the local workforce, will provide employees with a comprehensive health check at no cost to them or their employers.
These NHS Health Checks are being provided by Pennine GP Alliance, an organisation that manage and mobilise additional health services to support GP Practices and their patients in Calderdale. Health checks are designed to help identify the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease. Early detection of these conditions can significantly improve long term health, allowing for timely interventions and lifestyle changes.
So, what’s involved in the NHS Workplace Health Check?
– Blood pressure check
– Cholesterol test (a pin prick test is all it takes)
– Diabetes test: check your blood sugar levels to detect diabetes early
– General well-being check
– Guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle
The workplace health checks are available to all employees, with different eligibility based on age. Employees aged 18-24 receive a “mini check”, which does not include cholesterol and diabetes testing whereas those aged 25 and over are eligible for the full health check.
Importantly, the cholesterol and diabetes tests are performed using a simple pin prick method, and results are provided immediately at the end of the appointment, a process known as point-of-care testing. This allows for immediate feedback and health advice during the same appointment. All information obtained from both a mini and full health check is then transferred onto employees’ NHS medical records.
By bringing this service directly to the workplace, Pennine GP Alliance are making it more accessible for employees who may not have time to visit their GP. Employers can contribute to a healthier, happier workforce, resulting in increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and a positive workplace culture.
All that is required from an Employer is a small private room for a qualified healthcare worker to carry out the appointments which take up to 30 minutes per person (up to 15 people can be seen per day). If space is an issue, Pennine GP Alliance can cover any room hire fees over the days required, ensuring minimal disruption to the business.
Don’t miss out on this chance to ‘Keep your Workplace Well’ and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of Calderdale.
Will Menzies, Chief Executive at Pennine GP Alliance said: “Pennine GP Alliance is thrilled to be able to offer workplace health checks to employees across Calderdale. This programme reflects our commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of people in our communities, providing essential services that empower individuals to take charge of their health, identify potential risks early and foster a culture of wellness. We are certainly proud to play our part in the health and wellbeing of Calderdale.”
Deborah Harkins, Director of Public Health, Calderdale Council said: “Supporting the health of people in Calderdale is a top priority and with Pennine GP Alliance providing NHS health checks at workplaces, we are helping both businesses and employees to thrive. I urge businesses in Calderdale to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Dr Nadeem Akhtar, Clinical Lead for NHS Health Checks in Calderdale said: “Regular Health checks are important because they can identify risk factors and health conditions before they become serious problems, allowing for early intervention and management. We hear that too often people can’t find time to visit their GP and so workplace health checks are one of the solutions to capture an audience that may otherwise have missed out on an important service.”
For more information or to book, please contact:
Uttara Krishna
Pennine GP Alliance Health Checks Care Coordinator
uttara.krishna@nhs.net
To find out more about NHS health checks provided by Pennine GP Alliance please visit the website:www.penninegpa.co.uk/nhs-health-checks(external link)