Thousands of people in the North East will have their risk of developing certain heart diseases assessed at work under a new NHS scheme.

The programme will work with employers in a bid to make access to health checks more convenient for staff.

More than 7,400 workers in the North East could benefit from the checks funded through grants of £250,000 to four local councils.

It is hoped they will help to tackle deadly diseases including kidney disease, diabetes and heart disease, and could save hundreds of lives.

More than 16m people  in the UK are eligible for an NHS Health Check, but data shows about 40 per cent of those invited went on to complete one.

The announcement comes as part of the new government’s commitment to boost economic growth by improving health. It says each check is equivalent to an NHS appointment and will save thousands of hours of valuable NHS time, helping to cut waiting lists.

It’s understood the checks will take place from September this year, to March 2025.

Durham, Stockton, Northumberland and North Yorkshire councils are part of the pilot scheme.

Andrew Gwynne, Public Health Minister, 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 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.”  

Workers will provide information which will be used to determine their risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which can cause heart attacks, heart failures and stroke.

According to the NHS, cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK, but is largely preventable by leading a healthy lifestyle.

Plans for a digital version of the NHS Health Check have also been announced, in a bid to make the programme more accessible. It is estimated the digital initiative will deliver one million checks in its first four years, with plans under way to roll it out nationally alongside face-to-face checks.

Amanda Healy, Durham County Council Director of Public Health, said: “We are delighted our application to be a part of this pilot scheme was successful. Our vision is for all County Durham residents to lead long, healthy, happy and independent lives.

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“Regular health checks are key to ensuring signs of cardiovascular disease and other conditions are identified early, increasing the chances of recovery. However, with many of us juggling work, family and caring commitments, it can sometimes be a struggle to find time to put ourselves first.

“By delivering workplace health checks in partnership with employers – both big and small – across the county, we can reach people we know are less likely to seek help.

“It will allow us to offer potentially lifesaving blood pressure and BMI checks, while also providing an opportunity to share valuable health and wellbeing advice in a setting where people feel safe and comfortable.”