A major public health campaign encouraging people to check their blood pressure has smashed its original target of 10,000 checks in 1 year, reaching more than 15,000 people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in just 6 months.
5,000 more people are now needed to see the ‘Know Your Numbers and Take Action’ campaign, a partnership between health and wellbeing partners across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, reach it new goal of 20,000 people to have had their blood pressure checks within 12 months, building on its success in helping residents understand and manage their health.
Delivered in partnership with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, Healthy Cornwall, Public Health, Cornwall Library Services, community pharmacy, local GP surgeries and the Integrated Community Stroke Service, the campaign has brought checks directly into communities through pharmacies, libraries, events, workplaces and pop-up clinics.
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly’s, Chief Place and Transformation Officer, Dr Chris Reid, said: “We set out to make blood pressure checks as routine as brushing your teeth, and exceeding 15,000 checks shows just how hard partners have worked to reach people and get them to have this vital check.
“We want to go further by now aiming for 5,000 more people to get their blood pressured check – helping to prevent avoidable strokes and heart disease and saving lives across the area.”
From September 2025 to March 2026, more than 15,000 blood pressure checks have been delivered across a wide range of community settings, demonstrating the strength of partnership working and accessibility of the campaign.
Checks delivered include:
· Pharmacies: 11,919
· GP practices (NHS Health Checks): 2,600
· Cornwall Council workplace checks: 328
· Wellbeing kiosk: 217
· Libraries: 529
This data highlights the crucial role of community pharmacies, which have delivered the majority of checks through the Hypertension Case-Finding Service, making it easy for people to get checked locally, quickly and without an appointment.
Amanda Fidelis, NHS Cornwall senior clinical pharmacist, said: “Pharmacies have played a vital role in the success of this campaign. It’s quick and free to visit your local pharmacist for a blood pressure check, and if needed, we can refer people to their GP within 24 hours. It’s a simple step that could make a huge difference.”
Local employers, sports clubs or community groups – especially those supporting people aged over 40 years of age, are encouraged to get in touch with the Healthy Cornwall team – if they would like to arrange for local blood pressure checks to be available for their workforce or group.
Gareth Walsh, public health practitioner for Cornwall Council, said: “We’re delighted to have not only reached but exceeded our original goal. This is a fantastic achievement and shows just how engaged people are with taking control of their health – and now we want to ask local employers, sports clubs and groups to get in touch and support this campaign.
“High blood pressure often has no symptoms and remains a leading cause of serious illness, so we’re continuing to encourage everyone to know their numbers. It’s a quick, free check that can make a real difference, available in a range of community settings, including libraries.”
Karen Burdon from Cornwall Libraries added: “With 529 loans across Cornwall Libraries last year, this initiative provides clear evidence of sustained demand. Uptake across both larger and smaller sites demonstrates that residents are actively borrowing blood pressure monitors for use in more relaxed environments.
“The lending of blood pressure monitors supports early identification and preventative health approaches aligned with NHS priorities and highlights the contribution of libraries to community health and wellbeing.”
Over the past 12 months, the Integrated Community Stroke Service found that 1 in 3 people tested had high blood pressure, many without realising it.
Often called the “silent killer”, high blood pressure typically has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other serious conditions.
With a new target of 20,000 checks now in sight, partners are continuing to expand the campaign to reach more communities, reduce health inequalities and support people to take proactive steps to protect their health.
To find out more visit: Know Your Numbers! – NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
