Workplace Health Checks : A pilot programme on providing health checks to Camden's front-line staff
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Authors
Chiamaka Esther Amaefule
Gauri Dherange
Johanna Tuomi-Sharrock
Wikum Jayatunga
Contact
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Issue Date
06-May-26
Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Keywords
Neighbourhood health & place-based working
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background and objectives
The NHS Health Check programme serves as a means to prevent, treat and manage cardio-vascular complications which have remained a longstanding priority, cited nationally in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan and locally in Health and Wellbeing strategies. However, uptake nationally has fallen below the expectation of a 75% 5-year coverage due to individual and systemic barriers. Communities of lower socio-economic positions are disproportionately affected including front-line workers. To bridge this gap, Camden council's Health and Wellbeing department piloted a 7-day work-place initiative providing health checks to staff who work in manual and routine occupations.
Methods
Using a community health provider, GPDQ with on-site clinicians, Camden council staff within the eligible group received NHS health check in close alignment to the NHS Health Check Best Practice Guidance. Those outside of the eligibility criteria received “The Vital 5 Check”. All staff who received a check received a health passport detailing their results and recommendations to seek follow-up care and support via their general practice and locally commissioned lifestyle and mental health services, where eligible. An encrypted copy of this health passport was shared with their general practice.
Results
A total of 171 staff received health checks across 7 clinics. Of those staff, 39% received a full health check and 61% a vital 5 check. About 66% of staff who received a health check were males and 34% females; 5% were within the 65-74 years age cohort, 27% 55-64 years, 19% 45-54 years, 20% 35-44 years and 26% 25-34 years. Also, 34% of staff who received a check were of Black ethnic origin, 38% were of White ethnicity, and 14% Asians.
As per health outcomes, 41% of staff who were assessed were within the over-weight category and 31% classified as obese; 42% had a raised blood pressure and 19% diagnosed with hypertension. 23% were identified as having a high-risk of diabetes and 16% moderate risk. Of those assessed, 16% were identified as having increased or high-levels of cholesterol, 26% were smokers, 27% had low levels of physical activity and 24% showing dependency or an increased risk of, on alcohol. For follow-up and further intervention, 33% were referred to their GP, 40% to the weight management programme, 12% to the stop smoking service and 5% to the diabetes prevention programme.
Conclusion
Workplace health checks were highly feasible and effective in picking up high levels of previously undetected cardiovascular risk factors in workers from lower socioeconomic positions, and increasing access to related interventions, especially when embedded within referral or behaviour-change pathways.