Whitby: New library blood pressure scheme launched

The new scheme is a pilot at Whitby Library, which includes a blood pressure station for people to pop-in and use

Library users can check out books and a blood pressure monitor as part of a new pilot scheme to help GPs.

Whitby Library is to have a public walk-in blood pressure point, as well as a device that can be borrowed for 10 days, North Yorkshire Council said.

It is hoped self-service devices could alleviate pressures on GP surgeries.

"Monitoring your blood pressure is incredibly important and spotting abnormalities can save lives," director of public health Louise Wallace said.

There was a waiting list for access to blood pressure machines, corporate director of community development Nic Harne said.

"We have joined with our public health team in offering the service to alleviate pressure on doctor's surgeries," he added.If left untreated, high blood pressure can cause heart and kidney failure, sight problems and vascular dementia.

One in three adults, which is the equivalent of about 16 million people, has high blood pressure in the UK which rises to 50% of over-65s, according to the Age UK charity.

The county has a higher average age of its residents than other parts of the country, the council said.

A council spokesperson said: "We hope identifying any problems can be a catalyst to individuals contacting their local community pharmacy."