Free Blood Pressure Monitors Now Available in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Libraries

Residents of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly now have a new way to monitor their health, with blood pressure monitors available to borrow from all local libraries. This new offering coincides with Know Your Numbers Week, running from September 2-8, a national campaign that encourages individuals to check their blood pressure at home.

How to Borrow a Monitor

Borrowing a blood pressure monitor is as simple as checking out a book. Anyone with a library card can borrow a monitor free of charge for up to three weeks. Users are advised to record their blood pressure over a seven-day period and then submit the readings to their GP surgery for review. This easy and accessible method is designed to help people keep track of their blood pressure and potentially catch any health issues early.

Supporting Community Health

Carol Mould, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, expressed her excitement about the expansion of this scheme. After a successful trial at select libraries, the programme is now available across all libraries in Cornwall, providing a valuable service to local communities.

Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder for Public Health at Cornwall Council, highlighted the importance of monitoring blood pressure, noting that around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, many of whom are unaware of it. Regular monitoring can help prevent serious health issues like heart attacks or strokes by catching high blood pressure early.

Get Involved

Residents in Cornwall can find more information about their local library and sign up for a library card on the Cornwall Council website. Those living on the Isles of Scilly can join the library by visiting St Mary’s Library.

This new library service offers a simple yet effective way for residents to take charge of their health, ensuring that important checks are not overlooked.