As a leading cause of death and disability in England, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is linked to health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, with over 80% of cases being preventable.
To reduce instances of CVD and other related health conditions, the Department of Health and Social Care is bringing local authorities and employers together to provide free Health MOTs to employees. The County Durham service is available for staff aged between 18 and 64 at their place of work.
Each Health MOT will include a chat with a Workplace Health Check Practitioner where employees will be offered a blood pressure check, diabetes risk score and healthy weight conversation, pulse check and the chance to discuss long-term healthy lifestyle changes.
The Workplace Health MOTs team are delivering the programme across County Durham, and from Tuesday 5 November eligible employees at Gestamp in Newton Aycliffe will be the first to take part.
Jonathan Phillips – Gestamp Tallent Plant Director said: “We understand that our employees are our most valuable asset and their wellbeing is paramount to our success as an organisation. Being in the post pandemic era this is now ever more so evident with the increase in absence levels we are seeing firsthand. This campaign demonstrates our commitment to supporting our team as we navigate the complexities of the environment, we now find ourselves in. We appreciate and give thanks to our local Workplace Health MOT team for involving Gestamp Tallent in this huge opportunity.”
Michael Chappell, Workplace Health MOT’s Programme Manager said: “Gestamp is a worldwide manufacturer of automotive components employing over 1,100 people across seven sites in Newton Aycliffe. This is a huge opportunity to provide employee support by identifying CVD risk factors and working with them to make healthy lifestyle choices. Referrals to primary care will be provided for anyone identified as having high blood pressure or a high-risk factor for other health conditions.”
Amanda Healy, Durham County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “We’re pleased to be commissioning the CVD Health MOTs, which is a great example of how health and wellbeing can be prioritised in the workplace. We spend a significant amount of time at work, so engaging with employees in the workplace is a great way to reach people who are less likely to take up a health check offer with their GP. It also allows employers to better support their workforce’s health and wellbeing by offering potentially lifesaving blood pressure and BMI checks and sharing valuable health and wellbeing advice in a supportive and familiar environment.”
If you are a County Durham based business, the Workplace Health MOTs team can visit your workplace and support your staff to live well for longer. For more information about the service or to chat about requirements for your business, contact 0800 8766 887 or email cddft.healthchecks@nhs.net
The Pioneering Care Partnership delivers Workplace Health MOTs with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
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