Residents across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire will have
the opportunity to check their risk of high blood pressure at a series of ten free
community events taking place over the coming weeks.
The drop-in sessions will encourage the public to understand and monitor their blood
pressure, take early action where necessary and reduce their risk of heart attacks,
strokes and other cardiovascular conditions.
They will be held at easy to access locations in Bath, Trowbridge, Salisbury,
Swindon, Chippenham and Warminster from Monday 23 February and continue until
Friday 6 March.
High blood pressure, often referred to as the “silent killer”, rarely causes symptoms
yet significantly increases the risk of life-threatening conditions. Many people remain
undiagnosed, especially those who do not routinely visit their GP or pharmacy.
Staff from Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care
Board (BSW ICB) are working with students from the University of Bath’s Pharmacy
programme and Rowden Hill Pharmacy in Chippenham to deliver the sessions.
These will provide free blood pressure checks along with training on how to use
home blood pressure monitors and personalised health and wellbeing advice.
By offering free, easy-access testing in community settings, BSW ICB aims to reach
individuals who might not otherwise seek out blood pressure checks. The events will
help identify people with raised readings and provide immediate advice, education
and signposting.
Gill May, Chief Nurse Officer at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and
Wiltshire Integrated Care Board said:
“High blood pressure is responsible for more than half of all strokes and heart
attacks and preventing it is a key priority for the local health and care system.
“Many adults living with high blood pressure remain undiagnosed. Without detection
and appropriate intervention, it can increase the risk of having a stroke, heart attack
or heart failure.
“That’s why we’re getting out and about in our local communities to host these drop-
in events. They will allow us to raise awareness of this hidden killer, help to prevent
heart attacks and strokes and, ultimately, improve the health of our local population.”
More information can be found at https://bsw.icb.nhs.uk/bproadshows/
Community blood pressure checks will take place across B&NES, Swindon and
Wiltshire at the following times and venues:
o 23 February, 10am – 5pm, County Hall, Trowbridge,
o 24 February, 10am – 3pm, Friary Community Centre, Sailsbury, SP1 2HW
o 25 February, 9.45am – 5pm, Bath Central Library,
o 26 February, 10am – 5pm, Swindon Hub – 36 The Parade, SN1 1BA
o 27 February 9.30am – 5pm, Emery Gate Shopping Centre, Chippenham
o 2 March,10am – 5pm, Swindon Designer Outlet
o 3 March, 9.30am – 5pm, Brunel Shopping Centre, Swindon
o 4 March, 9.45am – 5pm, Bath Sports & Leisure Centre
o 5 March, 10.15am – 5pm, Swindon Central Library
o 6 March, 9.45am – 5pm, Warminster Library
