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Well Pharmacy is offering free blood pressure checks in all its branches across England to raise awareness of the dangers posed by hypertension. The leading independent pharmacy chain is inviting people to #thebigsqueeze in conjunction with May Measurement Month and World Hypertension Day (May 17) by inviting them to get a free blood pressure check and to learn more on the importance of understanding hypertension. George Sandhu, deputy superintendent pharmacist at Well Pharmacy said: "May Measurement Month is a global blood pressure screening awareness campaign. The aim is to raise awareness of the dangers posed by elevated BP and hypertension. May 17 is World Hypertension Day, and a perfect time to take control and get your blood pressure checked. "We are delighted to be supporting this campaign. Hypertension (more commonly known as high blood pressure) can cause a range of health issues.  Worryingly, it often comes with no symptoms, which is why it is vital to know if your blood pressure is higher people don't have any symptoms of high blood pressure so having their blood pressure checked is the only way to find out. "People can come into any of our Well Pharmacies across England and have their blood pressure checked. The theme for 2023 is Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer - and knowing your number is one of the most important things people can do.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has lashed out at the British Medical Association (BMA) after GP leaders voted in favour of the motion to terminate pharmacy blood pressure checks with immediate effect and redirect the funds into pharmacy dispensing fees. Commenting on the BMA's vote, NPA chair Nick Kaye said: "It benefits no-one, least of all patients, for one set of health care professionals to talk down the services provided by another." He emphasised the importance of investment and collaboration across the healthcare system, particularly between general practice and community pharmacies, to provide the best possible care for patients. Furthermore, Kaye stressed the value of pharmacy-based NHS clinical services in improving access to care, while also providing more convenient care for patients and relieving pressure on other parts of primary care. "It would be terribly shortsighted to row back on preventative services such as hypertension case finding, which will be cost-saving as well as lifesaving in the long term," he warned. He noted that the NHS will only meet the growing needs and expectations of the ageing population by making the most of capacity and skills across the whole system.