OLDHAM Active is helping to keep the borough’s workforce healthy by delivering free workplace health checks and encouraging more employers to join the scheme.
The charitable trust has joined the government pilot and since October has been delivering checks for people aged 25 to 74 who do not have a pre-existing health condition.
The tests cover a series of physiological measurements including blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, BMI and waist circumference, as well as collecting a small blood sample from a finger prick to test cholesterol levels and HbA1c.
The comprehensive assessment, which also looks at family history, smoking, alcohol and physical activity levels, takes about 20 minutes to complete.
The programme aims to improve the health and wellbeing of adults through earlier awareness, assessment and management of major risk factors and conditions that can lead to certain diseases, premature death, disability and health inequalities.
Local organisations, including Oldham Council, have already registered their workforce for the programme.
Oldham Active is reaching out to more businesses in the borough to take part and giving a free seven-day gym pass to its wellbeing centres for people completing the health check.
Simon Blair, Deputy CEO, Oldham Active said: “We are strongly urging employers to step up, particularly those with a large number of male employees, as men are typically less likely to visit the doctor.
“We’re also targeting shift workers, who often struggle to access regular GP hours. The health checks are free and our team will come to your location.
“To aid participation, we suggest that employers allow employees to attend in work time so staff do not lose wages or break time for taking part.
“A healthy workforce is a happy and productive work force, and the early detection and prevention of potential health issues leads to improved employee wellbeing, reduced absenteeism and presenteeism, which ultimately saves cost for businesses and the NHS.
“We know how difficult it can be to get a GP appointment, and this comprehensive health MOT can help alleviate some of the strain on the NHS, while employers could see savings in healthcare expenses related to employee illness and reduced productivity loss.”
Oldham Active employs a team of fully qualified NHS Health Check Advisors who deliver the programme, providing real-time feedback to participants and sending the information to their GP for updating medical records.
The advisors offer lifestyle guidance on physical activity, diet, nutrition and overall wellbeing, while also advising on ways to improve health and reduce risk factors. If necessary, they refer individuals to other relevant services.
Mr Blair added: “The Health Check is a comprehensive MOT for the body and mind. The information and the advice given is extremely helpful and personalised. The tests are not intrusive or painful and the results are confidential.
“I would recommend more companies in Oldham to get in touch and arrange for our team to come to their place of work for health checks.”
Cllr Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “This is a fantastic project that I’m pleased we’ve been able to secure for Oldham.
“I know that with people’s busy lives it can be difficult to find time to see a GP, so by having these health checks in work we can bring a comprehensive health MOT to you.
“A healthier workforce is good for everyone so I encourage local businesses to reach out and take up this offer while they can.”
If your business is interested in participating in a Health MOT, contact Oldham Active’s Lauren Connis by email at Lauren.Connis@ocll.co.uk