Oldham Active has launched free workplace health checks for local businesses as part of a Government pilot programme to expand NHS health services, with participating employees receiving seven-day gym passes to the trust’s wellbeing centres.

The programme, which began in October 2024, sees trained advisors delivering 20-minute comprehensive health assessments to workers aged 25 to 74 without pre-existing conditions. The checks include blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, BMI and waist measurements, plus finger-prick blood tests for cholesterol and HbA1c diabetes screening.

“We are strongly urging employers to step up, particularly those with a large number of male employees, as men are typically less likely to visit the doctor,” said Simon Blair, Deputy CEO at Oldham Active. “We’re also targeting shift workers, who often struggle to access regular GP hours.”

The not-for-profit charitable trust, which operates leisure facilities across the borough, sends fully qualified NHS Health Check Advisors directly to workplaces. They provide real-time feedback to participants, update GPs with results, and offer personalised lifestyle guidance on physical activity, diet and nutrition, with referrals to other services when needed.

Cllr Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, praised the initiative: “This is a fantastic project that I’m pleased we’ve been able to secure for Oldham. I know that with people’s busy lives it can be difficult to find time to see a GP, so, by having these health checks in work we can bring a comprehensive health MOT to you.”

Local organisations have already registered their workforces, with Oldham Active encouraging more businesses to participate. The programme aims to reduce health inequalities through early detection of major risk factors, ultimately decreasing disease, premature death and disability across the borough.

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