Workplaces in Tower Hamlets are being invited to register their interest in a free health check for their employees, as part of a new government-funded cardiovascular disease (CVD) workplace health check pilot.
Tower Hamlets Council is one of 48 local authorities taking part in the multi-million-pound programme, which will see CVD health checks being delivered in workplace settings up until 31 March 2025.
Approximately one in three heart attacks and one in four strokes occur in people of working age, many of whom struggle to return to work. By bringing health checks to the workplace, this pilot aims to identify those at risk earlier and provide timely interventions that could save lives.
The scheme also hopes to tackle the economic impact of CVD, which is estimated to cost the UK economy around £25 billion each year.
In Tower Hamlets, the CVD workplace health check will cover a blood pressure check, as well as smoking status, BMI, and alcohol risk. Measuring and providing support in these areas routinely can help to prevent ill health.
Cllr Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, said:
“We are thrilled to be part of this critical initiative, bringing life-saving health checks directly to people where they work.
“Making these checks more accessible and convenient is a proactive step towards reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious health conditions, so we can empower our community to live longer, healthier lives.”
The CVD workplace health check programme will have a focus on reaching groups less likely to access traditional NHS Health Checks, such as men, younger people, and those from more deprived communities.
In Tower Hamlets, around 50 per cent of high blood pressure cases remain undetected, and type 2 diabetes and hypertension are the most common long-term health conditions in the borough.
Every year, the NHS Health Check programme engages over 1.3 million people in England, and prevents an estimated 300 premature deaths. However, many people are not completing these checks.
The CVD workplace health checks pilot will make it easier for people to access effective treatment or take preventative action so they can stay healthier for longer.
For more information on how your workplace can get involved in the CVD workplace health check pilot, visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/healthyworkplaces
Posted on Friday 6th September 2024