Full steam ahead for blood pressure checking events in Bath and North East Somerset

People living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire can have a free blood pressure check as part of Know Your Numbers week at a series of local events, starting at the Somerset and Dorset Railway in Midsomer Norton on Sunday 1 September 2024.

Qualified clinicians will be offering tests to visitors at the station between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Visitors to the heritage railway will be able to see if they have high blood pressure, which usually has no symptoms, by getting a simple check from a clinician in the historical surroundings of the station.

The initiative, led by Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, brings together local health and care organisations to help prevent ill-health and make it easier for people to take control of their own health and wellbeing.

Six million people in the UK have high blood pressure and don’t know it and every day 350 people have a stroke or heart attack that could have been prevented.

The only way for people to find out if their blood pressure is high is to have it checked. Getting this done is easy and can save lives.

The pop-up events will help to reach people who are unaware that they have high blood pressure and guide them towards the treatment and support they need to bring it under control.

BSW ICB will also be attending:

• Bath Rugby’s pre-season friendly against Ealing Trailfinders at the Rec in Bath on Saturday 7 September
• The Alice Park Youth Music Festival at Alice Park in Bath on Sunday 8 September and
• Bath City FC’s match against Enfield Town at Twerton Park in Bath on Saturday 21 September

Gill May, Chief Nurse at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board said:

“High blood pressure is responsible for more than half of all strokes and heart attacks and preventing it is a key priority for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board.

“Many adults living with high blood pressure remain undiagnosed. Without detection and appropriate intervention, it can increase the risk of having a stroke, heart attack or heart failure.

“Getting out and about in our local community will allow us to raise awareness of this hidden killer, help to prevent heart attacks and strokes and, ultimately, improve the health of our local population.”

Stephen Lacey, Chairman of the Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust at Midsomer Norton Station said:

“We’re thrilled to be part of this brilliant initiative offering our community a chance to have their blood pressure checked while exploring our heritage railway and museum. We know that the health of local people and our dedicated volunteers is important, so it’s great to be able to help out by hosting these pop-up checks.”