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Pharmacies Cut Back Key BP Checks
13 Aug
Summary
- NHS plans to reduce pharmacy blood pressure tests next month.
- Pharmacists warn this will increase hospital and GP burden.
- NHS England previously relied on pharmacies for millions of checks.
Community pharmacies are facing changes to their role in providing blood pressure monitoring services. NHS England is planning to scale back the number of blood pressure tests pharmacies are reimbursed for, a change set to come into effect next month. This decision has prompted a call for an immediate pause from pharmacy representatives.
Pharmacists, who have been conducting these checks for over two decades, highlight their critical role in identifying potentially life-threatening conditions. They note instances where high blood pressure readings were detected during routine consultations, prompting immediate hospital referrals. Reducing these checks, they argue, will place a greater strain on already stretched hospital and GP services.
NHS England previously lauded community pharmacies for their contribution, with seven million blood pressure checks performed since October 2021. The service was particularly impactful in identifying hypertension in deprived areas. However, updated guidance suggests repeat clinical checks should not be conducted by pharmacists outside of exceptional circumstances.
Pharmacy groups argue that the new rules are an overly broad measure that could undermine efforts to detect undiagnosed hypertension. They emphasize the real risk of individuals remaining unaware of their elevated risk for heart attack or stroke. An NHS England spokesman affirmed that thousands of pharmacies will continue offering checks, encouraging individuals aged 40 and over who haven't had a check in five years to come forward.
