Rotherham Case Study

 

High-Level Overview

Rotherham GP Federation is leading the way in preventative healthcare by bringing NHS Health Checks directly to the workplace. With support from Health Diagnostics (HD), the Federation is rolling out an innovative, scalable model that removes barriers to access by delivering free health checks on-site at local employers. This effort is part of the national NHS Workplace Health Check Pilot, launched in August 2024, aimed at detecting early signs of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in working adults.

By using HD’s digital health tools, Rotherham is not only improving engagement, especially among men and underserved groups, but also enhancing early detection, enabling lifestyle interventions, and reducing strain on local GP services.

Solution components supplied

    • Interactive Consultation (IC) Module: Simplifies data integration, eliminating manual transfers and reducing transcription errors.
    • Patient-Facing Digital Portal: Provides access to test results and educational resources, facilitating self-management.
    • Automated Patient Invitations & Recalls: Ensures comprehensive outreach through SMS and follow-up reminders.
    • QRISK® Score Visualisation: Offers color-coded, intuitive risk assessment for predicted cardiovascular conditions.
    • One-Click Referrals: Connects patients seamlessly with local health services like the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
    • Data Reporting & Analysis Tools: Enables Merton Health to generate performance insights and improve service planning.

Local Outcomes

 
    • Hundreds of health checks delivered since April 2024 across local workplaces, including major employers like Tesco and McDonald’s.
    • Significant uptake from individuals who had never received an NHS Health Check, despite being eligible.
    • Early detection of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly among women under 40 and those outside a healthy BMI range.
    • Improved convenience and cultural integration of health in workplace settings, fostering team support and proactive wellbeing.
    • High levels of employer engagement driven by recognition of the financial impact of staff illness and absenteeism.

Notable Public Health Outcomes

    • Increased participation from traditionally underserved populations, particularly men and younger women.
    • Higher identification of individuals at medium-to-high cardiovascular risk, many of whom were unaware of their health status.
    • Integration with existing community services such as the Rotherham Health Wave weight management programme and free health coaching.
    • Real-time data analysis, enabling the tracking of referrals and long-term behavior change.
    • Empowerment of participants through goal-setting, risk visualization, and immediate lifestyle advice.

Views of Julie Bennet, Client Lead in Rotherham:

 

“The traffic-light visuals are really effective. People who’ve never thought about their cholesterol or heart health are suddenly fully engaged. Most people say they’ve never had an NHS Health Check – this brings it to their doorstep and removes all the barriers.”

 

Expansion and Next Steps:

 

Following early success, the programme is now being integrated into ongoing workplace wellbeing strategies beyond the pilot phase. Rotherham GP Federation aims to expand its reach by continuing to partner with employers and scaling the delivery of digital, data-informed NHS Health Checks across more sites.

This model demonstrates the power of preventative healthcare when it’s brought directly to communities – proving that meeting people where they are, both physically and digitally, can change lives.