Workers from across Suffolk are being given the chance to give their health a free MOT as part of a drive to improve the county’s wellbeing during national heart month.

Healthy Ambitions Suffolk is offering NHS health checks to staff at four organisations from across the county. It is hoped the initiative will break down barriers by encouraging those people who may not visit their GP to get their health assessed in the workplace.

During the 30-minute checks, fully qualified medical staff will measure blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, height and weight. Those taking part will be asked about their family history and lifestyle behaviours, while their body mass index and cardiovascular risk scores will be calculated.

If necessary, they will be given advice on ways to reduce their risk of suffering heart disease or will be referred on to appropriate NHS services.

“Helping staff to protect their health brings with it huge benefits as it increases productivity and reduces sickness absence,” said Claire Parker, Healthy Ambitions Suffolk fit for work coordinator.

“We have organised these health MOTs to make it easier for employees to access the help they need to protect their heart health. By coming into the workplace, we hope that we can break down some of the barriers which exist for staff members who may be reluctant to visit their GP for a check up.

“We will be able to give them an honest assessment of their current health along with advice on areas they could improve. Where appropriate, we’ll also be referring people onto additional NHS services so that they can get help for any potential problems quickly and efficiently.”

The tests are designed for staff aged 40 or over who have not had an NHS health check within the past five years. Initially, they are taking place at Suffolk Constabulary HQ, Sizewell B, Copleston High School and Culford School, while further sessions will be arranged at additional workplaces later in the year.

“This is a significant initiative which will provide employees from across the county with information about their health and expert advice on how to protect their heart in the long term,” said Dr Peter Funnell, chairman of Healthy Ambitions Suffolk. “This is vitally important as heart disease is currently the most common cause of death in Suffolk.


“We hope that this initiative will inspire employers to help their staff to take simple steps to get healthier, such as eating a more balanced diet or getting more active. By doing so they can encourage a happier, healthier and more productive workforce with reduced sickness rates; a small investment which makes good business sense.”

For more information about any of the initiatives which Healthy Ambitions Suffolk is spearheading to help businesses to get healthier:
visit www.healthyambitionssuffolk.nhs.uk
or email Claire at [email protected]