Testing the limits – MOD and Nuffield Health announce fitness testing partnership

Nuffield Health, the UKs largest healthcare charity, announces a three year partnership with the Ministry of Defence to undertake fitness tests of prospective new recruits for the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force.

The partnership, made effective from the 31 January 2013, will run about 13,300 tests per annum. With 36 of Nuffield Health’s Fitness and Wellbeing Centres, Hospitals and Medical Centres taking part, it is a widespread initiative. All Nuffield Health facilities* involved are in the area of the Armed Forces Careers Offices (AFCO).

The testing is administered by both Nuffield Health Wellbeing Advisers and Physiologists, they assess candidates for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines by asking them to complete a 2.4km treadmill run. While, candidates for the Royal Air Force also undergo a body strength test of press ups and sit ups. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the chance to increase their fitness, they will be given guest passes and a training programme to use the Fitness and Wellbeing Centres before a possible re-test.

Key statistics:

• To date 77 per cent of candidates have passed the fitness tests
• The average age of candidates is 22 years

Natalie Mumford, Fitness and Wellbeing Director, Nuffield Health, says:

“We are delighted to work in partnership with the Ministry of Defence to provide fitness testing. We have long believed in the importance of preventative health services and health and fitness testing offers a unique overview of a person’s health and fitness, allowing them to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. We recognise the highly specialised careers of those working in the Armed Forces and we are especially proud to help these would-be service men and women to achieve their goals.”

Physical fitness, through physical education, adventurous training and sport, remains an essential element of service life that directly impacts the Operational Effectiveness of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Commenting on the award of the new contract, Captain Naval Recruiting and Gp Capt Recruiting and Selection, Royal Air Force says:

“We are delighted to have entered into a partnership with Nuffield Health, which will provide the initial fitness testing for future Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force personnel whilst ensuring the best value for money for the taxpayer.  This testing is an important first step in promoting a life-long exercise habit and healthy lifestyle in individuals that will allow them to successfully pass training and then prepare them physically for the demands of operational employment worldwide during their subsequent Service careers.  We look forward to working with Nuffield Health and drawing upon the experience of their Wellbeing Advisors and Physiologists in improving the initial fitness of our civilian applicants.”

Nuffield Health offers a mix of health testing to customers, including the one hour health MOT, a 12 point test looking at measures of blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, waist to hip ratio and more, it is available at all of its 65 Fitness and Wellbeing Centres and administered by expert Wellbeing Advisers. In-depth Health Assessments, which offer a variety of health tests, including a dynamic exercise test – ECG, blood pressure during activity and cardiovascular fitness, are also available. The 360 and 360+ Health Assessments are administered by expert Physiologists.

*The following Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centre locations will offer the fitness testing:

Aberdeen, Glasgow Central, Nottingham, St Albans, Bromley, Reading, Bristol, Birmingham, Crawley, Doncaster, Edinburgh, Farnham, Guiseley, Gosforth, Liverpool, Worcester, Chelmsford, Covent Garden, Chichester, Cambridge, Leicester, Norwich, Northampton, Aylesbury, Nuneaton, Hull, Chesterfield, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Stoke, Telford, Wakefield, Yeovil, and Barrow.

—By Nuffield Health