A NEW scheme has launched today, which will allow people to have a free blood pressure and heart check at their local pharmacy.

The checks will initially be carried out at five pharmacies in Tilbury, East Tilbury and Chadwell with plans to offer them at the Tilbury Hub in the summer.

The pilot is funded by NHS Thurrock CCG and Thurrock Council’s Public Health team, through the Better Care Fund. The intention is to roll this out across Thurrock eventually.

Ian Wake, Director Public Health at Thurrock Council said: “We have worked closely with Thurrock CCG, pharmacies, the Local Pharmaceutical Committee and GP practices to provide this free service.

"We found that there are many thousands of people with undiagnosed conditions like high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation (a heart condition) which can increase the risk of having a stroke

“We want to work with health service colleagues to find the missing thousands and treat the hundreds who we know are undiagnosed in Thurrock.”

People can ask to have their blood pressure or heart checked, or pharmacists can offer people the checks if they feel it would benefit the patient. If the tests find anything wrong, patients will be referred to the local Blood Pressure Clinic or sent to their GP.

Rahul Chaudhari, Head of Primary Care at NHS Thurrock CCG said: “It is great to see this new initiative working with the Public Health team.

"Hypertension and heart problems, if undiagnosed can lead to serious health problems. Screening people in pharmacies is an innovative way to improve public health.”

The pilot will be evaluated after six months. If it is found to be successful, this opportunity will be rolled out across the Thurrock Borough.