Oldham Active urges local employers to sign up for free workplace NHS health checks

Oldham Active has joined a Government pilot to expand the NHS health checks by offering free workplace health checks to local businesses and encouraging more employers to join the scheme.

From October 2024, Oldham Active’s trained advisors have been delivering health 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 (a long-term blood glucose measurement to check for potential Diabetes).

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 in the area 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 have already registered their workforce for the programme.

However, Oldham Active, the not-for-profit, charitable trust that operates leisure facilities in the borough, is reaching out to more businesses in the borough to take part and further encouraging participation from employees by giving away a free seven-day gym pass to its wellbeing centres for people completing the health check.

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 whilst they can.”

Simon Blair, Deputy CEO at 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, whilst 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.

Based on the results, they provide real-time feedback to participants and send 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 the Oldham area to get in touch and arrange for our team to come to their place of work for health checks.”

If your business is interested in participating in a Health MOT, please contact Oldham Active’s Lauren Connis at: Lauren.Connis@ocll.co.uk

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