About the project
This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.
A new workplace health initiative in Wakefield is helping people spot serious health risks early - without needing to visit a GP surgery.
The roving workplace health checks, delivered by Conexus Healthcare and Wakefield Council, as part of Healthy Working Life, takes NHS services directly into local businesses. The aim is to make it easier for people to look after their health while staying in work.
Long hours, shift work and job insecurity can make it harder to attend routine health appointments. This project removes those barriers by bringing checks into the working day.
Over three months, the project delivered around 400 health checks across a wide range of workplaces - from manual jobs to office settings. Many of the people seen said they would not have booked a GP appointment, even if invited.
Ellie Daniel, Service Lead - Health Promotion at Conexus Healthcare, explains:
“People told us they didn’t want to bother their GP unless they were unwell. Others simply couldn’t get time off work or found it difficult to book appointments. By going into workplaces, we are reaching people who might otherwise miss out on important checks.”
Each appointment lasts around 40 minutes and includes blood tests, blood pressure, weight and lifestyle assessment. Results are used to calculate a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other conditions. People are then supported with advice, referrals and follow-up care if needed.
Lead Nurse Caroline Morris says:
“These checks are about prevention. We can pick up risks early, often before someone has symptoms. That gives people the chance to take action and stay healthy and in work.”
What difference has it made – Rod’s story
Rod, who works in maintenance at Nostell Estate, booked a health check because it was convenient. He had not seen a doctor in years. Like many, he found it hard to step away from work and assumed he was fit and well. During his check, colleagues found Rod’s blood pressure was dangerously high. He had no symptoms.
Caroline says:
“His reading was extremely concerning. The team arranged an urgent GP appointment that same evening. Acting quickly was critical.”
Rod has since started treatment and is having further tests. He believes the check saved his life. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it can go unnoticed for years. Without this workplace check, Rod may not have known until it was too late.
Reaching people who need it most
The checks are helping to reduce health inequalities by reaching people who do not usually engage with GP services.
Ellie adds:
“Many participants said time, work pressures and difficulty accessing appointments stopped them from attending routine checks. Bringing care into workplaces removes these barriers and improves uptake.
“The checks also support early intervention. Identifying and managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes risk or high cholesterol can prevent serious illness and help people remain economically active.”
What do others think about it?
Other participants also benefited:
- a 40-year-old man who had lost contact with services for a heart condition was fast-tracked back into GP care and given support to reduce his risk factors
- a woman worried about memory problems was reassured and given information about perimenopause to discuss with her GP
- a 35-year-old woman struggling with weight was signposted to specialist services and national support programmes
- a 28-year-old man was supported to address harmful alcohol use and linked into community services
- a 49-year-old man at high risk of diabetes was identified and referred for further testing and prevention support
In some cases, urgent GP appointments were arranged on the same day where we found serious risks.
Learning for the future
Caroline says:
“Feedback from participants show that people value having healthcare brought to them. They are more likely to engage when it fits around their work and feels accessible.”
Younger workers also said the checks helped them understand how lifestyle choices affect long-term health, reinforcing the importance of prevention from an early age.
Ellie adds:
“This is about making health part of everyday life. By bringing healthcare into the workplace we can save lives, reduce inequalities and support a Healthy Working Life.”
What’s next?
The infrastructure is now in place to continue and expand the service if funding allows. There is potential to scale up the programme and reach even more workplaces across the district.
You can also read the workplace health checks in Wakefield help people stay well and stay in work case study as a PDF.