11 Libraries across Plymouth now have blood pressure kits which can be borrowed – just like a book – by members of the public who need to check their blood pressure.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has no obvious symptoms and is sometimes only discovered when someone has a Heart attack or Stroke.
People can prevent high blood pressure by identifying a pattern early and seeking medical advice and treatment from a health care professional.
Livewell Southwest, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Libraires have worked in partnership to deliver this Blood Pressure Monitor Loan Scheme, which aims to support earlier identification of high blood pressure, one of the leading risk factors linked to strokes, heart disease, and other serious health conditions.
Sarah Hodges, Advanced Health Improvement Practitioner for Livewell Southwest at the Blood Pressure Monitor Scheme Launch
Sarah Hodges, Advanced Health Improvement Practitioner for Livewell Southwest, said: “The idea of the scheme is to encourage people to monitor their blood pressure in the comfort of their own home. Not everyone can afford to buy a monitor, and thanks to the support of the library staff, we are now able to support people in Plymouth to access monitors for free.”
Each kit bag includes a monitor, cleaning wipes, instructions on how to use the monitor and take readings, a recording diary, and advice on what to do if blood pressure is found to be too high.
Blood Pressure Monitor kit bag and display of its contents
Reserve a monitor online via the library website or the Plymouth Libraries app to then collect from your local library when available. Alternatively, ask library staff about availability.
The monitors are intended to support awareness and encourage people to check their blood pressure regularly. They do not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
By making blood pressure monitors available to borrow within the community, this scheme helps to reduce barriers that can make health checks harder to access and is playing a vital role in encouraging people to look after their health.
To find out more about borrowing a blood pressure monitor, please contact your local library: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/find-library-and-opening-hours.
