Local health partners and construction contractors are joining forces at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital site to deliver the "High-Vis Health" scheme.
This scheme targets the often‑overlooked health needs of on‑site workers.
Throughout the programme, construction workers for Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust receive on-site health checks and monthly education sessions covering mental health, respiratory illness, smoking prevention, and sexual health, all aimed at improving workforce wellbeing and prevention.
“We were delighted to design this programme and work with our experts across the local NHS and council landscape to bring health education and prevention strategies to their workforce,” said Dr Jenni Rowlands, Deputy Medical Director at SaTH.
The scheme is being delivered by SaTH in collaboration with local organisations including Shropshire Council, NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, working with construction contractors VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine through the Integrated Healthcare Projects joint venture.
“I’ve worked in construction for a number of years and this is the first time I’ve seen health checks brought directly to a site like this. The health check was quick and simple … It’s massively put my mind at ease,” said Sam Pollitt, IHP Construction Manager.
In addition, the outreach team from the council runs cardiovascular checks on‑site, including tests for blood pressure, heart age and BMI. These checks aim to identify risk factors early and refer workers to appropriate support services.
“We hope that this project will encourage construction workers to consider their general wellbeing, seek regular health checks and prevent serious illness in later life,” said Councillor Bernie Bentick, Portfolio Holder for Health and Public Protection at Shropshire Council.
The High‑Vis Health initiative aligns with the government’s 10‑Year Health Plan for England by emphasising prevention, early detection and improved access to health services in non‑traditional settings.
The pioneering programme prioritises the wellbeing of people delivering the infrastructure, and not just the patients using it.