Wolverhampton Council expands free blood pressure checks across the city
People can access self-service monitors in libraries, leisure centres, or borrow devices for home use
The City of Wolverhampton Council is widening access to free blood pressure testing, making it simpler than ever for residents to keep track of their health.
New self-service blood pressure monitors have been installed at selected libraries and WV Active leisure centres across the city. In addition, portable monitors are now available for residents to borrow at no cost, allowing people to check their readings regularly from home.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said:
“We are delighted to be able to make it as easy as possible for people to get their blood pressure checked by rolling out self service monitors in libraries and leisure centres, and in people's homes.
"It's really important to know your numbers – it's thought around 5 million adults aged 18 to 64 in the UK could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and early death."
Often described as a “silent” condition, high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease and premature death. It is also a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease, which claims thousands of lives each year across the Midlands.
Residents can use free, walk-in monitors at:
- WV Active Aldersley
- WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams
- WV Active Central
- Central Library
- Warstones Library
- Bilston Library
- Wednesfield Library
- Bob Jones Community Hub
In addition to council services, community pharmacies also provide free blood pressure checks for people aged 40 and over who have not previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
The council says the programme has been made possible through careful financial management and a favourable government funding settlement, enabling continued investment in preventative health initiatives and other priority services for local residents.