NHS Blood Pressure Check

Free NHS Community Pharmacy Blood Pressure Checks—quick, confidential checks to help detect high blood pressure early and reduce the risk of heart-related illnesses.

What Is the NHS Blood Pressure Check Service?

The NHS Community Pharmacy Blood Pressure Check Service (also known as the hypertension case-finding advanced service) helps identify people who may have undiagnosed high blood pressure (hypertension). It aims to catch issues early so that treatment and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, etc.

Who Is Eligible?

You can get a free blood pressure check at Balance Pharmacy if you:

  • Are aged 40 or over, and have not been diagnosed with hypertension or a related condition before. 

  • If under 40, you may still be eligible at the pharmacist’s discretion, particularly if you have risk factors (family history, etc.) or if your GP / local practice refers you. 

How It Works at Balance Pharmacy

  • 1
    Walk-in or Booked Appointment

    You can either drop in or arrange a time. We’ll use a private consultation room to maintain confidentiality.

  • 2
    Initial Blood Pressure Measurement

    Our trained pharmacist or pharmacy technician takes your reading with calibrated, approved equipment. You’ll be asked to

  • 3
    Results & Interpretation

    If your reading is within the normal range, we’ll give you advice on maintaining good heart health.

     

    If your reading is elevated (but not extremely high), we may offer you Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) to confirm whether there is sustained hypertension.

    If the reading is very high (a level considered dangerous), we will refer you urgently to your GP (within 24 hours) and send the readings to your GP practice so they can update records and follow up.

  • 4
    Follow-Up & Monitoring

    If needed, ABPM devices may be given for you to use over 24 hours to capture readings during your typical daily activities. The results are reviewed and shared with your GP.

Why Use Our Pharmacy for Blood Pressure Checks

No GP appointment needed – Faster, more accessible

Free NHS service for eligible people – same day appointments available

Professional staff trained in up-to-date protocols and equipment

Early detection of raised blood pressure can prevent health issues

Prepare for an accurate reading

Follow these simple steps before your appointment:

Step 1

Avoid caffeine or smoking 30 minutes before

Step 2

Empty your bladder before appointment

Step 3

Try to rest quietly for 5 minutes or so, and relax

Step 4

Try to wear loose clothing (upper arm cuff)

You’ll receive two numbers: systolic/diastolic (e.g. 120/80mmHg). If your reading is raised, we may repeat it or offer 24-hour ABPM to confirm.

Normal

~120/80 result

Elevated

monitor/ ABPM

Very high

urgent GP referral

Frequently asked questions

Usually around 10 minutes in total. This includes initial rest, taking readings, discussing the results, and giving advice.

You’ll get two figures: systolic (when your heart pumps) / diastolic (when heart rests).

• Normal is usually around 120/80 mmHg, though definitions vary.

• Higher readings could indicate risk; repeated elevated readings or ABPM may be needed.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring means wearing a portable device for 24 hours that takes readings throughout the day and night. It gives a more accurate picture of your blood pressure outside the pharmacy setting.

If you already have a diagnosis, we may still do checks if your GP practice requests it or if your readings haven’t been updated recently. Otherwise, we provide advice and help you liaise with your GP.

Yes—all discussions and measurements are private. If sharing readings with GP, we do so with your consent (as required by the NHS specification).

No. This is a free NHS service for eligible people. There’s no charge for the check or referral.

Book a Blood Pressure Check with Us

If you’re eligible or think you might be, come to Balance Pharmacy, Balance Street Health Centre.

Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.