Many people have high blood pressure (hypertension) and take medication to try and keep it at the required level. If you have hypertension then it is important that you use the blood pressure machine at the surgery when requested.
Both the Bushey and Carpenders Park surgeries have a blood pressure machine in the waiting room. You can use this whenever the surgery is open. The machine gives a print out of your blood pressure. Please give this print out to a receptionist, so that the information can be entered into your medical records.
Our doctors regularly review your blood pressure readings. If necessary, they will liaise with you about changes in medication. It is recommended that people with high blood pressure have an annual blood test. If you are advised to have a blood test, via your repeat prescription, a text message or a letter then please attend the walk-in phlebotomy clinic at Watford General Hospital (9-4 pm Monday- Friday- you require a form from the surgery) or make an appointment at Bushey.
We are fortunate to have access to ambulatory blood pressure machines, which previously were only available in hospital clinics. If necessary a doctor will advise you to make an appointment with a nurse to arrange for one of these tests. You wear the machine on your arm for 24 hours and it takes regular blood pressure readings throughout the day and night. The information gained from this test helps the doctors decide on how best to manage your blood pressure.
Additional Information
For more information on blood pressure please visit the NHS website.