Staff take control of their own health with free cardiovascular health checks

Over 150 people have taken advantage of free cardiovascular health checks as part of a pilot health project taking place in Carmarthenshire.

Prosiect Sir Gar is seeing staff aged over 40 from the county’s three biggest employers being invited for the free health checks.

Those who show higher risks of developing cardiovascular diseases in the future are being offered personalised advice and support to help them manage their risk more effectively.

Employees from Hywel Dda Health Board and Corus have already started taking part in the health checks. Staff at Carmarthenshire County Council will be brought on board in the near future.

Prosiect Sir Gar - being run as a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda Health Board, Corus, Swansea University’s School of Medicine, the National Public Health Service and voluntary organisations - is one of the first studies of its type in Wales.

It is providing a unique opportunity to improve the lives of working people in Carmarthenshire who may have higher risks of developing cardiovascular diseases but do not know it, as well as reducing the impact on NHS resources.

The project has been well received by staff, and just weeks in to the launch 154 people have taken part.

One of those who received a health check with the occupational health nurses at Corus said: “I believe everyone should have an annual medical 'MOT' and this service is a good introduction for employees at Trostre to be made aware, at ease, and conscientious about their health.

“It is good to be made aware of any areas that need attention as early as possible.”

The project is being seen as a ‘pathfinder’ for the rest of Wales, with other major employers across the country being invited to take part over its 10-year course.

Carmarthenshire was chosen to pilot the project due to its industrial heritage, mix of urban and rural areas, and low numbers of migration.

Another factor is the current increase in the prevalence of obesity in the county, cases of which are set to double from 8,500 to 14,000 over the next 20 years.

Dr Meurig Williams, clinical lead for the programme, said: “I have spent 30 years as a doctor seeing first hand the consequences of these devastating diseases. The frustrating thing is that I only see these people in the late stages of the disease.

“Now, we are going one better than that and actually identifying people through lifestyle risk factors. The great thing about this is that these lifestyle risks can be greatly reduced.”

Dr Sally Williams, regional medical officer for Corus, added: “Corus welcomes active participation in this project. Long-term health has to be key for any employer – a healthy population is required for a sustainable industry, and any research that helps ensure a future with healthy employees is important.”

Employees at the participating organisations can contact their occupational health teams to find out more about the health checks or book an appointment.

Further information about what the checks entail can be found at www.healthchallengecarmarthenshire.org.uk