General practices can refer patients to a participating community pharmacy for a clinic blood pressure reading or for 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The patient must be living in England, and be 40 yrs +.
At the end of a consultation, where readings indicate:
- Normal blood pressure – the pharmacist will promote healthy behaviours.
- High blood pressure – the pharmacist will offer Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) from the pharmacy and will also promote healthy behaviours.
- Very high blood pressure – the pharmacist will urgently refer the patient to see their GP within 24 hours and the pharmacist will inform the patient’s GP practice by NHS mail or via another locally agreed platform.
- Low blood pressure – the pharmacist will provide appropriate advice and may also refer the patient to their GP if there are any concerns.