Life saving NHS health checks will be offered at work places across the country, which could save hundreds from preventable diseases and free up appointments.
More than 130,000 people will receive health checks, which will help protect them from heart and kidney diseases as well as diabetes, the Government has announced.
Over 16 million people are currently eligible for an NHS Health Check but only around 40 per cent of those invited went on to complete one, the latest data shows.
The Government hopes the new programme will reach more people through their place of work and make it more convenient for people to understand and improve their cardiovascular health.
Each check is expected to be the equivalent of an NHS appointment and will save thousands of hours of NHS time, helping to cut waiting lists.
Employers from a range of professions will take part in the programme including those from the building, hospitality, transport and social care sectors.
The checks will record a range of information about each patient to determine their cardiovascular risk, and NHS leaders have said they will “undoubtedly save lives”.
The government also announced a new digital version of the NHS Health Check will be ready for testing early in 2025.
The service will be available through the NHS App, meaning users can undertake their health check at home and have the results automatically written back into their GP electronic health record.
Local authorities in Norfolk, Medway, and Lambeth have been selected to pilot the new digital health checks in early 2025.
The digital programme is predicted to deliver around one million checks in its first four years.
Plans are being put in place to make digital NHS Health Checks available nationally, alongside the face-to-face programme to give patients more choice.
Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said: “We know so many deadly diseases can be avoided if we seek help in enough time.
“That’s why we’re working to improve access to treatment while also taking steps to address the preventable causes of cardiovascular disease.
“This innovative new programme is an important step towards community-focused healthcare and supporting economic and productivity through improving health, shifting the focus from treatment to prevention, easing the strain on the NHS and helping people to live well for longer.”
