Portsmouth port offers staff health checks at work

The programme, offered to people aged 40 to 74 and without a pre-existing condition, can help to spot early signs of diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and dementia.

The first health checks took place at the port in April with a second visit last week.

Richard Kelly, a systems manager, has worked at the port for 22 years. He took up the offer of having a health check.

He said: ‘I’m pleased that I could receive a health check at work.

‘If I’d had to make an appointment to get it done elsewhere I’d probably have been less likely to get around to it. By having this check I feel I can keep on top of my health.’

Dr Janet Maxwell, director of public health at Portsmouth City Council, welcomed the port taking part in the initiative.

She said: ‘It’s great to see the port encouraging their staff to take up the offer of an NHS Health Check.

‘Being able to discover early on that you’re at a higher risk of developing an illness gives you an opportunity to make changes so that you can live a healthier, longer life.’

Health checks are just one element of the workplace health offer that the public health team at the council can support companies with.

For more information email [email protected].