A digital health check scheme being offered to workers across Essex has achieved more than 1,000 checks across 23 businesses.
Essex County Council launched the digital health check scheme earlier this year. The initiative aims to help people detect early signs of health risks including high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The scheme started in the south of the county with digital health check stations set up in 23 businesses across Basildon and Brentwood.
The free, self-service stations by SiSU Health UK help users check blood pressure, heart rate, BMI, stress levels, and more in minutes. The units also signpost to free support and advice from:
- the Essex Wellbeing Service
- the Community Pharmacy
- a local GP.
Over 1,000 checks have been completed across 23 businesses, with 357 participants accessing further support services. This includes support for quitting smoking and weight management.
This work is supported by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Partnership, which brings together health and care organisations with local authority partners to support residents in achieving healthier lives, including healthier hearts.
One business to have benefitted so far is Baker Labels in Brentwood.
The digital health checks have been incredibly well received by our team. It’s a simple, quick way to check overall health and supports our commitment to a healthy workplace.
Steve Baker, Managing Director, Baker Labels
Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration at Essex County Council, recently visited Baker Labels in Brentwood to see the health checks in action.
Healthy workforces are happy and competitive workforces. Businesses that sign up to this scheme are truly enlightened. Baker Labels is a shining example of how investing in staff wellbeing boosts productivity and reduces health inequalities.
Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration at Essex County Council
The scheme is part of Essex County Council’s Workplace Health Programme and is now expanding across the county.
Businesses can host the stations for up to four weeks, giving staff easy access to health checks without needing a GP appointment.
We are proud to be supporting this innovative approach to workplace health. The digital health check stations not only give people the chance to spot potential health risks early but also connect them directly to free support and advice. It’s a practical, accessible way of helping colleagues take control of their wellbeing, and we are delighted to see so many businesses embracing it.
Lyn Mowforth, Essex Working Well Manager