Paulsgrove residents are being invited to have a free blood pressure check using an innovative new method, which provides a fast and accurate reading just by a patient looking into a device.
Portsdown Practice Group are holding a blood pressure check open day on Friday 8 September from 9am – 1pm at Paulsgrove Surgery.
Traditionally a cuff around the arm and a monitor is used to take blood pressure readings. At the open day, the practice will be using a new device called ‘Lifelight’. Patients simply need to look at the tablet device’s screen and it takes a blood pressure reading from their eyes. This takes just 40 seconds and is completely contactless. This means checks can be taken more quickly and with no discomfort.
The checks are open to all, whether registered with Portsdown Group Practice or registered elsewhere. Men, who tend to be more at risk of high blood pressure, are particularly encouraged to attend.
The ‘Lifelight’ project is being led by Portsdown Practice Group and supported by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.
Dr Karen Kyd, GP and Clinical Director at Portsdown Group Practice, said: “High blood pressure is common and often doesn’t have any symptoms. Left untreated, it can cause serious health problems including strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease and dementia, so it’s especially important to take the time to get a simple check. Support can then be offered to bring the blood pressure under control.
“This initiative will help us to make tests even more accessible and provide innovative care to our patients.”
Shipa Ahmed Khan, Health Inequalities Lead at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: “We are excited to be involved in this collaborative project which will benefit many patients in Portsmouth and support in providing potentially life-saving blood pressure checks in less than a minute.”
Anyone wishing to have a blood pressure check can drop in to Paulsgrove Surgery, 194 Allaway Avenue between 9am – 1pm on Friday 8 September. No appointment is needed.
Health and Care Portsmouth partners including Portsdown Group Practice, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth City Council and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board are working on further projects to provide and promote blood pressure checks in local communities.
For more information on blood pressure and different ways of getting blood pressure checks, see the ICB’s Healthy Hearts page.