Blood pressure checks at dentists and opticians

Dentists and opticians in Lincolnshire are offering free blood pressure checks as part of an NHS pilot scheme.

Lincolnshire's Integrated Care Board (ICB) said it wanted to improve the early detection of hypertension by providing the service in "non-traditional" healthcare settings within the community.

The trial is taking place at eight practices in Boston, Lincoln, Grantham, Gainsborough and Skegness.

Medical Director Dr Sunil Hindocha said he hoped it would remove barriers and increase "access to essential preventative health services for those who need it most".

The NHS said it wanted to prevent "an estimated 150,000 heart attacks, strokes, and dementia cases by 2028/29".

The service is being offered to individuals aged 40 and above or those at risk of high blood pressure.

Dr Hindocha said the scheme "aims to bridge gaps in accessibility, particularly for individuals living in rural areas or within harder-to-reach populations".

"Our hope is that this innovative approach will lead to earlier detection, improved management, and, ultimately, a healthier Lincolnshire," he said.

Daniel Till, general manager at Specsavers in Skegness and Louth, said: "Since launching the service, we have already seen several people who came into the practice with high blood pressure, and working with other services such as NHS 111 and the urgent treatment centre, we were able to get them the right support."

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