Workplace Health Checks programme concludes after successful pilot

The pilot workplace health checks programme, delivered across County Durham by the Workplace Health MOT team since November 2024, ceased to be operational on Monday 30 June 2025 at the end of the service contract.

The programme, part of Adult Wellbeing Services delivered in partnership by the Pioneering Care Partnership and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, was implemented to gather data on the impact that delivering health checks in the workplace will have on the instances of death and disability resulting from cardiovascular disease. Health Checks were offered to routine and manual workers at participating organisations, of which there were 37 across the county.

The programme delivered over 1825 individual health checks with 724 (40%) of participants identified as at risk and being referred to their GP. 441 of those who received a health check could recall an invitation to an NHS health check with 261 (59%) of those not attending.

Each health check included a chat with a Workplace Health Check Practitioner, where a blood pressure check, diabetes risk score and healthy weight conversation, pulse check and the chance to discuss long-term healthy lifestyle changes were offered.

Feedback has been positive with employers keen to access this free benefit for their workforce. Nathan Hunt, HR Director at the Erwin Hymer Group UK said: “Paula and Megan were both lovely - knowledgeable and there was nothing they couldn't answer. Collectively, we appreciated the relaxed approach they had. I didn't feel like I was being told I could or couldn't do certain things or habits, instead being educated on how I can approach them in a healthier way.

“I think this has been a handy service for us in particular - GP's in Consett can be tricky to get appointments at the best of times (especially when working a 9am to 5pm job), and for one employee here, an issue was raised by your practitioner that a GP had completely missed!

“Thanks again! I think collectively, we'd interested in looking at this the same time next year if the service is still available. The three days have been a great success. I would like to thank you and your team for facilitating and delivering this for us at Erwin Hymer Group UK.”

Michael Chappell, Programme Manager, aid: “We are proud of the team who developed and delivered a pilot programme in a very short space of time. Feedback has shown that the team have been both professional and friendly throughout.

Michael invited feedback from participating organisations: “We would like to thank all the organisations who took part in this programme and showed their commitment to the ongoing support of staff health and wellbeing. If you would like to share your feedback about the programme, please email cddft.healthchecks@nhs.net.

NHS Health Checks will continue to be available for all people aged 40+ and can be accessed by speaking to your GP. Health and wellbeing support can also be accessed through Wellbeing for Life, who offer a range of health improvement programmes free of charge to anyone living or working in County Durham.

Programmes include:

• Healthy eating and weight management

• Stop smoking

• Alcohol reduction

• Mental wellbeing

Wellbeing for Life is a part of Adult Wellbeing Services, delivered in partnership by Pioneering Care Partnership and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

Find out more about Wellbeing for Life and other Adult Wellbeing Services at www.yourwellbeingservices.uk.