Free blood pressure checks will be given out this month in Grays after an Annual Public Health Report found that thousands of people Thurrock have high blood pressure - with almost two-thirds undiagnosed.
It is estimated that there are 23,931 people in Thurrock with Hypertension- also known as high blood pressure - and a further 15,953 are undiagnosed.
The checks will happen at Grays Baptist Church Hall on August 14 between 10:30am and 1:30pm and Thameside Library on August 16 between 9:30am and 12:30pm.
The checks will be done with support from College Health practices.
Councillor James Halden, Portfolio Holder for Health said: “In our Annual Public Health Report we found that there are many thousands of people undiagnosed with conditions like high blood pressure and other health and wellbeing problems.
“We want to work with health colleagues to find the missing thousands we know are undiagnosed in Thurrock.
"People can come to the ‘pop-up’ clinic to get their blood pressure and general health checked. 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 these outreach clinics supported by College Health practices.
"Hypertension and heart problems, if undiagnosed can lead to many health challenges.
"Diagnosing people in the community is an innovative way to improve public health and capture people who do not normally go to their GP.”
Sharon Hogarth, Area Manager for College Health practices said: “We know that for some people visiting the doctor is the last thing they want to do.
"But we are committed to providing the best possible service for people in Thurrock.
"Conditions like Hypertension and other underlying conditions can turn into more serious problems if people are not aware of them and are not getting adequate treatment.
“These community sessions, which we hope will be the first of many, will provide an informal opportunity to the public to get a quick, painless and free health check.”
Further clinics will be announced during August and September, log on to www.thurrockccg.nhs.uk to find out more.
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