Hypertension Case-Finding Service
The Hypertension case-finding service is an advanced service which commenced on 1 October 2021. There are two sections to this service:
- Identify people with high blood pressure aged 40 years or older (who have previously not had a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension). By exception under 40 years can be provided the service as per service specification under pharmacist discretion.
- At the request of a general practice, undertake ad hoc blood pressure clinic measurements and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM).
Please note that from 1 November 2024 the process for surgeries, within Hertsmere and Dacorum, to refer patients from their EMIS system on to PharmOutcomes for blood pressure checks or Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring to a pharmacy that is registered for a service will cease.
Please ensure that pharmacy owners work with their local practices to agree a local process that will work.
Community Pharmacies registered to provide blood pressure checks and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) in Hertfordshire (updated 16 December 2024)
The digital referral system from GP practices for the Hypertension Case-Finding service is currently live – see flowchart for process.
This new pathway aims to:
- Provide updated guidance on the diagnosis and management of hypertension
- Increase awareness of referral links between GP and community pharmacy for hypertension
- Increase access to services for patients
- Optimise identification, monitoring and treatment of hypertension
For any queries, please contact: Itunu Oluremilekun, Prevention Programme Manager, Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB.
For more details on this please refer to the following:
Campaign resources can be obtained from the Campaign Resource Centre for community pharmacy teams to support the ongoing Department of Health and Social Care blood pressure campaign.
The printed pharmacy pack for order comprises:
- 1 x A5 size counter display unit
- 2 x A4 poster
- 1 x A4 pharmacy briefing document
- 50 post consultation cards
- 200 ‘credit card’ sized pharmacy bag inserts
Additional digital materials include:
- Digital screens •Social media •Digital partner print files •Communications toolkit
If your pharmacy delivers the NHS Blood Pressure Check Service, please ensure your details are up to date in the look up-tool and order free campaign resources from the Campaign Resource Centre.
ABPM is part of the hypertension service. If you have signed up to this service you should also have an ABPM machine and appropriately trained individuals available to carry out the initial blood pressure (BP) check and the ABPM itself.
The ABPM readings can be completed over a 24 hour period, or, if the patient would prefer to be monitored over a seven hour period, can have the monitor put on at the start of the day and return at the end of the day to have it removed. It is worth noting that each completed ABPM provides a service payment of £45.
Community Pharmacy England (CPE) have a webinar available which outlines how to ensure you’re offering the entire service from initial BP check through to completion of ABPM monitoring. There is also an article on the CPE website which outlines how Opticians and Dental practices are piloting referrals to pharmacies for blood pressure monitoring, this is due to be rolled out nationally by the end of 2024. For further information on ABPM, please see the CPE website.
Additional resources:
NHS Guide for patients – This can be printed or shared as a link with patients to inform them of the ABPM process.
Q. Is there a time frame for a patient coming back for a repeat of the service?
NICE guidelines recommend that patients who have a normal blood pressure have a subsequent check in five years. Patients whose blood pressure is borderline normal or who have low blood pressure should have their next blood pressure check in a years’ time. NICE guidelines also recommend that adults with type 2 diabetes without previously diagnosed hypertension or renal disease should have their blood pressure measured at least annually.
For more information on FAQ’s please visit the CPE website.
