SHROPSHIRE Council is to begin offering on-site health screenings for Shropshire businesses and employees as part of a new initiative of preventative care.

The offering is part of the council's efforts to create a culture of health and wellbeing for business owners and their employees, with prevention central to tackling health concerns in the county.

The service has set a pricing policy, with a charge of £50 per employee, per health check.

Business owners will be able to obtain a quote for company-wide health checks by visiting the Preventive Health website.

“Fifteen million people in England live with at least one long term condition, and much of this is preventable. That’s astonishing,” said Dr Kevin Lewis of Preventive Health. “There are significant health issues in the county that need addressing and employers can be part of the solution.

"That is why we have designed Preventive Health to be an affordable, non-disruptive workplace health screening service, using highly qualified health advisors and technology which encourages employers to hold workplace health screening events”

A typical health screening appointment will take no more than 20 minutes, and includes blood glucose and cholesterol checks height, weight and waist measurement, body mass index (BMI) calculation, heart age and a diabetes risk test.

Councillor Dean Carroll, cabinet member with responsibilities for Adult Social Care and Public Health said: “We know that staff are our most important asset, so it makes sense for managers to do all they can to detect illness and promote health and wellbeing.

"I am really excited about the new service and how it will play a vital role in supporting workforces in Shropshire to remain well."

To find further information about Preventive Health workplace health checks, visit preventivehealth.org.uk