Residents can now check their blood pressure from home, thanks to a new free lending scheme at Histon Library.
The new initiative was launched last month and 350 blood pressure monitors are available to borrow from all 33 Cambridgeshire libraries, as well as the county’s three mobile libraries.
Any library member aged 18 or over can borrow a monitor free of charge for up to three weeks, with loans extended to five weeks through the mobile library service. No GP referral is needed, with monitors available on a first come, first served basis.
‘Silent killer’
The scheme aims to encourage people to monitor their blood pressure regularly, helping to identify high blood pressure – often referred to as the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. It is also one of the leading causes of heart attacks and strokes.
Each loan includes the blood pressure monitor with an adult cuff, while a larger cuff can also be borrowed if needed. Users will also receive an information guide explaining how to take accurate readings at home, a blood pressure diary to record results for discussion with a healthcare professional, and a feedback form to return to the library.
To borrow a monitor, residents will need to visit Histon Library with their library card and speak to a member of staff. Those who are not already library members can join either at the library or online before borrowing.
‘Supporting residents’
Cllr Peter McDonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Initiatives such as the loanable blood pressure monitors demonstrate how our libraries are supporting residents to live healthy lives while improving access and opportunity to services across the county.
“As many as 50,000 Cambridgeshire residents are estimated to have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Borrowing a blood pressure monitor from a library could be the first step to reducing your risk of heart disease.”
The blood pressure monitor loan scheme is being delivered by Cambridgeshire Libraries in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council’s Public Health team.
The team behind the scheme stress that library staff are not medically trained and cannot interpret readings or provide medical advice. Residents who record consistently high blood pressure are advised to contact their GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
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