Torbay residents urged to check their blood pressure as library scheme marks year

Residents across Torbay are being encouraged to check their blood pressure as a library loan scheme marks its first anniversary.

The scheme allows people to borrow a blood pressure monitor from participating libraries and take readings at home.

More than 850 monitors have been loaned across Devon during the first year of the scheme, which is a partnership involving NHS Devon, Devon County Council, Libraries Unlimited, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council.

Libraries in Torbay taking part include Brixham, Churston, Paignton and Torquay.

Kits can be borrowed for up to three weeks and include a monitor, instructions and a diary for recording readings.

The scheme is being highlighted before Know Your Numbers Week, which runs from 7-13 September and aims to encourage people to find out whether they have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, but if left untreated it can increase the risk of serious health problems including heart attacks and strokes.

Dr Kay Brennan, a North Devon GP and Strategic Clinical Advisor in Long Term Conditions for NHS Devon, said the scheme had helped more people check their blood pressure.

“We are delighted with the success of the scheme and the number of people in Devon who know their numbers as a result,” she said.

She added that an estimated 65,000 adults in Devon may be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.

“Know Your Numbers week is the perfect time to highlight the importance of checking your blood pressure – doing so could save your life,” Dr Brennan said.

Blood pressure can also be checked at a local pharmacy.

In Torbay, blood pressure checks are available through the Paignton Community Hub at Paignton Library, with drop-in sessions running on Mondays and Fridays from 9.30am until 1.30pm.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council's cabinet member responsible for public health, communities and libraries, said the library scheme had shown how community facilities could support people's health.

“One story that really stayed with me was of a resident who thought the machine must be faulty because the reading was so high,” she said.

“Thankfully, they followed the advice to contact their GP, who confirmed that the monitor was working correctly and that urgent medical attention was needed.”

She said the example showed how a blood pressure check could make a potentially life-saving difference.

Three Devon libraries are holding events during Know Your Numbers Week for people wanting to find out more about the loan scheme and checking their blood pressure at home.

Drop-in sessions will be held at Seaton Library (7 September), Cullompton Library (8 September) and Newton Abbot Library (9 September).

Residents can borrow a monitor from a participating library or contact their local pharmacy or GP for advice about checking their blood pressure.