The Bridges Patient Participation Group (PPG) in Weymouth are marking World Hypertension Day by hosting information sessions for people diagnosed with the condition. The first session, led by Advanced Practitioner Caro Elliott, gave attendees the opportunity to learn more about high blood pressure, what the numbers mean and how lifestyle changes and regular monitoring can reduce the risk of more serious health conditions developing. A second session is planned for Tuesday 24 May at the Littlemoor Surgery.
Sue Brunt, chair of Bridges PPG said, “Bridges PPG are passionate about encouraging people to self-manage their health conditions and the idea for this event came from a discussion at a PPG meeting. We worked with Bridges medical practice to create information sessions that would appeal to people with high blood pressure who have not had recent health check-ups.
“Both events are fully booked, which shows an enthusiasm for people to better understand and control their medical condition, we’ll certainly look to plan more events in the future!”
Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is when the pressure in your blood vessels is unusually high and can be serious if not treated. High blood pressure does not usually have any symptoms, the best way to find out if you have it is to get your blood pressure checked.
For more information on hypertension please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/.
Further details on the NHS Dorset blood pressure monitoring app can be found at: https://ourdorset.org.uk/digital/#BPAtHome.
Patient Participation Groups are run by volunteers and work alongside practice teams within GP surgeries. As well as providing feedback to practices on the services it provides and helping get information out to the wider patient population, groups work on projects which bring health and wellbeing benefits to their fellow patients.
You can get involved in your local group by talking to your practice reception team or contact us at communication@nhsdorset.nhs.uk.
