Huge improvement in support for people to manage their blood pressure
The proportion of people being supported to successfully manage their high blood pressure has increased more in East Berkshire, Surrey Heath, Farnham and North East Hampshire than anywhere else in the country.
A determined joint effort, spearheaded by local GP practices and pharmacies, coordinated by NHS Frimley and promoted by local authorities and voluntary sector partners, has seen performance rise sharply.
The results mean the Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care System – the collective NHS, Local Authority and community and voluntary sector organisations working to support and improve the health of residents – is now ranked third nationally, out of 42 systems compared to 2020/21, when the system was ranked 33rd.
Mahmuda Ullah, Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care System’s Head of Prevention and Reducing Health Inequalities, said: “If you have high blood pressure, bringing it under control is so important to your overall long-term health.
“I want to commend everyone across Frimley Health and Care for the incredible joint efforts which have meant many more people are now being supported to manage their conditions and have seen Frimley Health and Care become the most improved Integrated Care System in the country for this area of work.”
Untreated high blood pressure is one of the greatest public health risks and is known as ‘the silent killer’ because it often has no symptoms. It can lead to serious and potentially fatal health conditions and events, such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney and heart disease, and even dementia.
Dr Lalitha Iyer, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Frimley and a GP in Slough, said: “We’re delighted with the progress we’ve made in recent years and I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to bring about such a transformation and to our head of prevention and reducing health inequalities for coordinating these efforts.
“We’re determined to do even better for our residents and support even more people, because every percentage point increase in our performance means more lives saved or improved.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to encourage anyone who doesn’t know what their blood pressure is to have theirs measured as soon as possible, even if they feel fine. Rather than assume you’re in good health, please get checked and know for sure.”
High blood pressure can be caused by a number of different factors, including poor diet, low activity levels and anxiety but it can also be hereditary. Living a healthy lifestyle, with regular activity and a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to a reduced risk of high blood pressure. Some people may need to be prescribed medication to help them to successfully manage their condition.
More information on checking and lowering or managing your blood pressure can be found on the Frimley Health and Care blood pressure webpage: fhac-archive.frimley.icb.nhs.uk/bloodpressure