Hypertension Case-Finding Service: Information for Community Pharmacies
On 6 August 2026 the Hypertension Case-Finding updated Service Specification includes four main changes to the service outlined below, all changes come into affect on 3 September 2026.
Patient can access the service once every 5 years:
The specification now clarifies that an individual can access the pharmacy HCFS once every five years. This was mentioned in the previous specification but more emphasis is now on this element to help distinguish the service from people who may simply want their BP checked regularly, which is outside the scope of HCFS.
Clarification of GP referrals:
The eligibility criteria have been updated to clarify which patients can appropriately be referred by GP practices into the pharmacy service for a clinic BP check.
Greater emphasis on the average wake-time ABPM reading:
The specification now emphasises that the average wake-time ABPM reading should be the key result shared with the GP practice, as this supports the diagnostic process for hypertension.
New guidance on off-site provision:
Additional guidance has been included around off-site arrangements, clarifying how elements of the service can be delivered away from the pharmacy premises where the requirements are met.
The full requirements for delivering the Hypertension Case-Finding service are detailed in the service specification and clinical pathways. All of these documents can be accessed and downloaded from the CPE website.
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).
Full resources for the Hypertension Case-Finding service including videos and templates can be found on the CPE website.
Training Support
Please note this information is not endorsed by CPH.
We have developed a new resource (below) to help our community pharmacies overcome the challenges of delivering Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) by providing the support they need to successfully prepare for and better assist patients with the service.
Community Pharmacy ABPM Training Tool
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.
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.
Presentation: The Community Pharmacy Hypertension Case-Finding Advanced Service
Slides: Hypertension Case-Finding Service presentation slides
A short presentation on Hypertension Case-Finding update and changes to the service
Hypertension service integrated pathway
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:
- Formal letter from Herts and West Essex ICB regarding the new hypertension pathway.
- How the Hypertension pathway will apply to adults.
Hypertension flowchart
The digital referral system from GP practices for the Hypertension Case-Finding service is currently live – see flowchart for process.
We have put together a costing tool designed to help you assess the viability of the Pharmacy Contraception Service and estimate the potential payments their pharmacy could receive based on the number and type of consultations provided.
Campaign and promotional materials are available through the CPE website: Pharmacy First promotional resources
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.
Help your GP colleagues understand the service and refer appropriately.
We have compiled answers to common questions received from pharmacies covering areas such as training and competence, service delivery, and payments and claims. For detailed guidance, please visit our Hypertension Case-Fidning Service FAQs page.
