A pilot project to help taxi drivers stay fit and healthy is set to be launched in Sandwell.
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals (SWBH) NHS Trust is running the scheme to offer drivers advice and information on local resources such as stop smoking, weight loss and exercise.
Taxi drivers registered in Sandwell attend Sandwell Hospital every three years for medical checks as part of their licence renewal. The Trust will offer them advice as they wait for their checks.
Dr Tamsin Radford, Consultant and Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing service, SWBH NHS Trust, said: “We’re looking at things that don’t make people unfit for driving but put them at risk of problems later on, like smoking.
“Taxi drivers are a good group to begin with because their health is generally representative of the wider population.”
If the pilot is successful the Trust will look at expanding the project to other groups in the community.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing Councillor Paul Moore said: “The Council fully supports the Hospital Trust’s initiative, which will give taxi drivers the information and support they need to make informed lifestyle choices.”
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