Poole surgeries bringing blood pressure checks to local pubs

General practice surgeries across Creekmoor, Canford Heath, Corfe Mullen, and Broadstone have been offering a quick and easy way to check your blood pressure—in the local pub.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects 1 in 3 people in the UK and often goes unnoticed. Left untreated, it increases the risk of serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to check it.

Poole general practice surgeries have been bringing blood pressure checks into community spaces, making it easier for local people to look after their health.

“At recent drop-ins, we’ve found people with dangerously high blood pressure and been able to help them,” said Rebecca Holland, a Lead Clinical Pharmacist from Poole North Primary Care Network.

“Early treatment can prevent heart attacks and strokes, so it’s been fantastic to reach people who might not normally visit their surgery for health checks. We’ve also had great feedback. People like how easy and convenient these sessions are.”

The next drop-in session is at Wetherspoons in Broadstone:

• The Blackwater Stream JD Wetherspoons, 180 Lower Blandford Road, Broadstone, BH18 8DP

• Thursday, 13 February

• 4:30pm – 6:30pm

No appointment needed—drop by for a free blood pressure check and wellbeing advice in a relaxed setting.

The Poole North Primary Care Network (PCN) is a group of general practice surgeries working together to provide health and care services for the community - Canford Heath Group Practice, The Hadleigh Practice, The Harvey Practice, Birchwood Surgery.

This initiative is part of ongoing efforts by general practice surgeries to bring health checks to convenient, accessible locations, especially to reach men who are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease at an earlier age than women. More events will be available in the future in various locations. For more information about health checks and future drop-ins, visit your surgery website or social media.

For more information about blood pressure testing and managing blood pressure at home visit Blood pressure – NHS Dorset.