NHS-led project that helps GP practices has been shortlisted for a HSJ Award

The innovative project, ‘From data into action’ focuses on how data can be used to help people manage their blood pressure at home using an app. It also looks at how data can help GP practices target people more at risk of high blood pressure and give them more personalised advice and care, as well as highlighting areas of health inequality within our communities.

The project launched in March 2024, and across the following year it has helped nearly 8,000 people in Dorset to become aware of, or better manage, their high blood pressure. Within that group the project has helped prevent 46 heart attacks, 70 strokes, and 40 deaths.

It has helped reduced the inequality gap and has also seen Dorset move, as a county, from 39^th to 14^th in England for managing high blood pressure effectively.

The success came from primary care teams embracing new ways of designing and delivering care using data and a population health approach to help reduce health inequalities. This involved designing targeted interventions where practices used the data to proactively reach people who weren’t accessing care or weren’t getting good outcomes and helping manage them better.

Dr. Forbes Watson, GP and Chair of Dorset General Practice Alliance said ‘We’re incredibly proud of what Dorset has achieved in such a short time. High blood pressure is often called the silent killer, but through proactive care, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making, we’ve turned the tide.

These results aren’t just numbers — they represent lives saved, strokes prevented, and families spared the heartbreak of sudden loss. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when prevention becomes a priority.’  

Janine Ord, Head of Population Health Management at NHS Dorset, said: ‘We are really honoured to have been shortlisted for a HSJ Award. This piece of work is a great achievement in how we can improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities for local people.

‘It highlights the power of data and showcases how we can use digital tools to help prevent strokes and heart attacks by helping people manage their blood pressure at home.

‘It helps us in our shift to prevention-focused care and allows us to measure outcomes for individuals and communities.’

‘From data into action’ is led by primary care staff with support from the population health management team at NHS Dorset, the Dorset Intelligence & Insight Service (DiiS), Public Health Dorset and partners from the voluntary sector.

The HSJ Awards recognise excellence in healthcare across the UK. They provide a platform to showcase the most impactful projects, best practice, and innovations shaping the future of NHS care.

The winners will be announced on 20 November 2025.