NHS Pharmacy Hypertension Case-Finding Service at Neils Pharmacy

Free NHS Blood Pressure Checks in Your Local Pharmacy

At Neils Pharmacy, we provide the NHS Pharmacy Hypertension Case-Finding Service, a nationally commissioned NHS service designed to help identify people with high blood pressure (hypertension) earlier.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, yet it is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke. This service allows eligible adults to have their blood pressure checked conveniently, confidentially, and free of charge in a community pharmacy.

What Is the Hypertension Case-Finding Service?

The NHS Pharmacy Hypertension Case-Finding Service is an advanced NHS pharmacy service that supports the early detection of high blood pressure.

Through this service, trained pharmacy professionals can:

• 🩺 Carry out clinic blood pressure checks using validated equipment
• ⏱️ Provide 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) where appropriate
• 📄 Refer patients to their GP if high blood pressure is suspected
• ❤️ Support cardiovascular health awareness through lifestyle advice

This service follows national clinical pathways and supports GP practices by identifying people who may need further assessment or treatment.

More information about the national service is available here:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/nhs-community-pharmacy-blood-pressure-check-service/

Professional guidance for pharmacies is published by Community Pharmacy England:
https://cpe.org.uk/national-pharmacy-services/advanced-services/hypertension-case-finding-service/

How the Service Works at Neils Pharmacy

🩺 Step 1: Clinic Blood Pressure Check

You can request a blood pressure check at Neils Pharmacy. A trained member of the pharmacy team will measure your blood pressure in a private consultation area.

📊 Step 2: Understanding Your Result

Your result will be explained clearly. If your blood pressure is within the normal range, no further action may be needed.

⌚ Step 3: Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)

If your clinic reading is raised, we may offer 24-hour ABPM, where you wear a monitor at home to measure your blood pressure throughout the day and night. This provides a more accurate picture.

📤 Step 4: GP Referral (If Needed)

If results suggest high blood pressure, we will share your readings with your GP (with your consent) so they can confirm a diagnosis and discuss treatment if required.

Important: Neils Pharmacy does not diagnose hypertension or start long-term treatment. Diagnosis and prescribing are carried out by your GP.

Who Can Use This Service?

The service is typically available to adults who:

• 👤 Are aged 40 or over and do not already have a diagnosis of hypertension
• 🧬 Are under 40 with risk factors, such as a family history of high blood pressure (at pharmacist discretion)
• 📨 Have been referred by a GP or Primary Care Network for a pharmacy blood pressure check

You do not need to be registered with a GP to have your blood pressure checked.

Why Blood Pressure Checks Matter

High blood pressure is often called the “silent condition” because many people feel well.

If left untreated, it increases the risk of:

• ❤️ Heart attacks
• 🧠 Strokes
• 🫘 Kidney disease
• 🫀 Heart failure

Early detection allows treatment and lifestyle changes to be started sooner, reducing long-term health risks.

What to Expect During Your Visit

• 🗣️ A short discussion about your health and medical history
• 📟 Accurate blood pressure measurement using approved equipment
• ⌚ ABPM offered if clinically appropriate
• 📄 Clear explanation of your results and next steps

All consultations are confidential and follow NHS clinical standards.

Supporting Healthy Living

Alongside your blood pressure check, the pharmacy team can offer advice on:

• 🥗 Healthy eating and weight management
• 🚶 Increasing physical activity
• 🧂 Reducing salt intake
• 🍺 Reducing alcohol consumption
• 🚭 Smoking reduction or cessation support

Cost of the Service

💙 The NHS Pharmacy Hypertension Case-Finding Service is free of charge for eligible patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment?
Some pharmacies offer walk-in checks, while others may ask you to book. Please ask the team at Neils Pharmacy for availability.

Will my GP be informed?
With your consent, relevant readings will be shared with your GP if follow-up is required.

Can this replace GP appointments?
No. This service supports early detection and referral. Your GP remains responsible for diagnosis and ongoing management.

Learn More

• NHS blood pressure information:
  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/
• NHS service overview:
  https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/nhs-community-pharmacy-blood-pressure-check-service/
• Community Pharmacy England guidance:
  https://cpe.org.uk/national-pharmacy-services/advanced-services/hypertension-case-finding-service/

Access the Service at Neils Pharmacy

If you’d like a free NHS blood pressure check, speak to a member of the team at Neils Pharmacy during opening hours.

It’s quick, confidential, and could make a real difference to your long-term health.