Residents across the region are being invited to a series of free community health drop-ins offering on-the-spot blood pressure checks over the coming weeks.
The events are being held between Monday 23rd February and Friday 6th March to help people understand and monitor their blood pressure, take early action where needed and reduce their risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular conditions.
High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer”, rarely causes obvious symptoms but significantly increases the risk of life-threatening illness.
Many people remain undiagnosed, particularly those who don’t routinely visit their GP or pharmacy.
Staff from Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) will run the sessions in partnership with students from the University of Bath’s Pharmacy programme and Rowden Hill Pharmacy in Chippenham.
Alongside free blood pressure checks, visitors will be offered guidance on how to use home blood pressure monitors and given personalised health and wellbeing advice.
By taking testing into easy-to-access community venues, the ICB hopes to reach people who may not otherwise seek checks, identify those with raised readings and provide immediate support, education and signposting.
Gill May, Chief Nurse Officer at BSW ICB, said: “High blood pressure is responsible for more than half of all strokes and heart attacks and preventing it is a key priority for the local health and care system.
“Many adults living with high blood pressure remain undiagnosed. Without detection and appropriate intervention, it can increase the risk of having a stroke, heart attack or heart failure.
“That’s why we’re getting out and about in our local communities to host these drop-in events. They will allow us to raise awareness of this hidden killer, help to prevent heart attacks and strokes and, ultimately, improve the health of our local population.”
The community blood pressure checks will take place at the following venues and times:
- 25th February, 9.45am–5pm, Bath Central Library
- 26th February, 10am–5pm, Swindon Hub, 36 The Parade, SN1 1BA
- 27th February, 9.30am–5pm, Emery Gate Shopping Centre, Chippenham
- 2nd March, 10am–5pm, Swindon Designer Outlet
- 3rd March, 9.30am–5pm, Brunel Shopping Centre, Swindon
- 4th March, 9.45am–5pm, Bath Sports & Leisure Centre
- 5th March, 10.15am–5pm, Swindon Central Library
- 6th March, 9.45am–5pm, Warminster Library
Further information is available at: https://bsw.icb.nhs.uk/bproadshows/.
