The SiSU Mobile Digital Health Checks Programme launched in Basildon and Brentwood at the end of March 2025. The 12 month pilot provides free installation of digital, self-serve, health check stations within routine and manual workplaces. The health check stations are supplied by SiSU Health UK and enable people to undertake a free digital health check to assess their height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, CVD risk and perceived stress.
The programme will:
- Identify and support those who would not normally access Health Improvement services to improve their health.
- Provide services for early intervention and prevention to reach a larger section of the population.
- Help people to live healthy lifestyles by reducing prevalence of the leading risk factors that contribute to ill health and premature mortality, including high systolic blood pressure, high body mass index, and smoking.
- Give employers the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of their employees.
- Provide direct referral and support from Essex Wellbeing Service
Following the digital health check, users receive their results straight away and those identified as high risk can access services from Essex Working Well, Essex Wellbeing Service, their local GP, or community pharmacy.
All users receive personal health results and feedback while completing their check and have access to a free App containing their results.
Key Outcomes so far:
- 845 health checks completed across 15 businesses
- 76% of users were extremely or very likely to recommend the service to others
- 55 referrals for Stop Smoking Support
- 50 referrals for My Weight Matters
- 195 participants opted to share their health data with Essex Working Well for ongoing support
- Detailed anonymous employer report and analysis, including the loss in productivity due to: High BP/High BMI and smoking prevalence
If you would like to discuss hosting the SiSU unit in your workplace, please email essex.workingwell@nhs.net
Network Rail Depot – 16th July 2025
The SiSU Maxi has been installed in the Network Rail Depot in Colchester this week. Jamie Rivett, Infrastructure Maintenance Delivery Manager (for all depots in Essex and Norfolk) was keen to use the unit first, quickly followed by Roger Smith, Overhead Linesman for Network Rail.
During the first afternoon, 19 staff turned up and completed a 5 minute digital health check.
We’re trailing a new Swap to Stop pilot with Maddie Trenter, the Maintenance Workforce HSE Advisor. During the placement of SiSU, Maddie, having completed the NCSCT (National Centre of Smoking Cessation Training) Very Brief Advice training, will be providing free Vape Starter kits for employees wishing to quit smoking. The weekly 1:1 support, will then be delivered by a member of the Essex Working Well Outreach Team.
Colchester Council Recycling Depot – 4th July 2025
Luke Martin, was one of the first to use the digital health check station and said it was “easy to use”.
Robert Doran, Fleet and Depot Manager, was keen to have the SiSU Maxi for 2 weeks to give all of his staff a chance to have the health MOT in less than 5 minutes.
Peabody – 7th June 2025
Paula Speller, Peabody, was the first to use the SiSU Mini and found it quick and simple to use. Everyone over the age of 18 can log on and in 5 minutes they have their results
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Rayleigh Mill DWP Jobs Fair – 19th June 2025
The Essex Working Well Team visited the DWP Jobs Fair at Rayleigh Mill recently, and were thrilled to demonstrate the SiSU Digital Health Check station to Cllr Jo McPherson, Chair of the Rochford District Council. Lyn Mowforth said “Cllr McPherson was very keen to learn about the programme being piloted in workplaces in south Essex.”
Colchester BC Waste Depot
Staff at Colchester’s Shrub End household waste and recycling depot. The checks were carried out on the Open Road SOS Bus using a SiSU machine.
Mike Watkins said: “It makes us feel valued. I’m keen to find out about my blood pressure and learn what to do about it if it’s not where it should be.”
Darren Hammett said: “I haven’t had my blood pressure checked in a while, so I’ve come along today to find out what it is.”
Kevin Cook said: “I’d recommend other big workplaces think about doing this. It’s important to look after your health.”
Dr Hasan Chowhan, Senior Partner at Creffield Medical Group, said: “High blood pressure is a silent killer. Many people don’t realise they have the condition until they have a heart attack or stroke. “The good news is that it’s possible to get it under control. For some that may mean making a few lifestyle changes; others will need to take medications as well. These simple steps could save your life. They could also help save your quality of life as both strokes and heart attacks can leave people with long-term disabilities.”
The Open Road SOS Bus is commissioned by Essex County Council and delivers workplace health checks as a key part of its services.
Stacey Banner, Welfare and Volunteer Manager for the bus said: “The Open Road SOS Bus is committed to enhancing community health throughout Essex by providing essential services such as stroke prevention and blood pressure management. We are honoured to contribute to workplace health initiatives in Colchester and Tendring, promoting the wellbeing of local residents.
Staff also heard about the new Urgent Care Dental Service, which provides NHS treatment in 1-7 days. Problems such as toothache, infections, bleeding gums and broken fillings, crowns or bridges are among those which can be treated by the service. Appointments are available by contacting NHS 111.
GFM
We have been working closely with Kate Pearce, Head of People at GFM to offer the 5 min Digital Health Check programme.
GFM, a customer service company, in Colchester, signed up to the Working Well programme in 2018. Since then they have set up a Wellbeing Strategy and maintained a robust wellbeing programme. In 2024, we were proud to Award them their Level 3 Accreditation , and are currently working on their Re-Accreditation. They regularly win industry awards, and 2024 they won Best Employee Wellbeing Strategy Award, at the Engage Awards.
Kate and Jess were keen to be part of the SiSU pilot, and as you can see, Martin Sapsford, Quality and Training Manager at GFM was the first to try out the Mini Station. “I am hoping to combine the digital health check results, which downloaded instantly to the App, with my phone fitness tracker, which will help me to meet my current fitness and health goals”.
Cherry Hagger, SiSU Project Manager said “we hope in the future to return to workplaces with the SiSU unit, so employees can complete a second digital health check, and compare their results.”
Brentwood Council Depot
The Brentwood Council are currently hosting the SiSU Digital Health check station. Paul Ellis, Depot Manager said “I am excited to host the unit at the Brentwood Depot, as I could clearly see the benefits it would have for our team, after seeing the unit “in action” at the Basildon Council depot earlier in the month.
Ben Smee, was one of the first to try out the Maxi unit, followed by Edward Gilbert.
Unbar Rothan
Unbar Rothan, a family run food manufacturer and supplier of national and functional ingredients, based in Billericay, recently hosted the SiSU Maxi unit for 2 weeks in June.
Richard Rothon, Managing Director said “I am really excited to be able to offer this opportunity for health monitoring to my staff”
Richard and Ryan Dewinnaar were keen to be the first the try the unit.
MotorAid
Steve Cooke, Manager, MotorAid and Cherry Hagger, SiSU Project Support Officer. MotorAid are a car and commerical service and body repair centre, based in Basildon.
Waymade PLC
Stephen Petley, Health and Safety Manager. Waymade Pharmaceuticals is based in Basildon. They were the first to host the Mini SiSU Digital Health Check station.
As a result of hosting the machine, employees have said:
“Using this machine has made me realise that I need to make lifestyle changes and address the issues I have with poor diet and lack of exercise, both of which I have put on the back burner for too long. I have started taking walks in my lunch break and bringing a health lunch to work.”
“The unit has made me realise that I have an unhealthy lifestyle and has made me, and my family seek change”
“I have taken for granted my health and the realisation that the health check has given me, that I clearly don’t. I am seeking support and currenting being signposted by Steve and Amy to give up smoking.”
Peri UK
Peri UK, has a site in Warley, Brentwood. A UK provider of construction equipment.
Finishing Line
Finishing Line, a fulfilment centre in Basildon, were the first the host the Maxi SiSU Digital Health Check station in March 2025. Andy Mead, Managing Director.
