Free Blood Pressure checks are available in 23 Tipperary pharmacies

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) are teaming up with RTÉ’s Operation Transformation to support National Blood Pressure Day 2024.

The partnership will see over 23 participating pharmacies in Tipperary, offering once-off free blood pressure checks this Thursday, 18 January.

High blood pressure affects two out of three over 50s, but it is symptomless.  Once detected, high blood pressure is one of the few conditions that can be successfully managed, but only if you know you have it.

Following a quick, easy, and non-invasive blood pressure check, your community pharmacist can provide you with a detailed results card and any necessary health advice or referral.

Encouraging people to avail of the service Clare Fitzell, Head of Strategic Policy, at the IPU said “Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious health problem in Ireland, and many people are unaware that they suffer from it. Adults should take steps to inform themselves of their blood pressure levels.

“Those aged over 40 should have an annual check and under 40s should have a check at least every five years.”

Risks of allowing high blood pressure to go untreated include higher likelihood of developing a number of conditions including:

Heart disease; Stroke; Dementia; Problems with eyesight or kidneys

“This year Irish pharmacies are delighted to partner with Operation Transformation to raise awareness of the risks of high blood pressure, and to encourage people to take a few minutes to get checked.

“Thankfully, many people who have slightly raised blood pressure can successfully manage this through straightforward lifestyle changes.

“The key is knowing what your level is and taking appropriate action. However, experience tells us that some people who undergo this week’s tests will be advised to seek further medical attention. This is not something to be feared, as it’s far better to treat high blood pressure before complications arise than after.”

A list of participating pharmacies is available on the Operation Transformation website here  and more information can be found here as well: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/

Participating Pharmacies in Tipperary

Cloughjordan Totalhealth Pharmacy, Main Street, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary
Costigan’s Pharmacy ,4 Kyle Court , Blind st, Co. Tipperary
Guerins Pharmacy, 7 Mitchel St, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
Haven Pharmacy,10 New St, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary
Kelly's Chemist,  O'Connors Shopping Centre, Martyr's Rd, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
McCauley Pharmacy,10-12 Poppyfields Retail Park, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
McCauley Pharmacy, Unit 18 Showgrounds Shopping Centre, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
McCauley Pharmacy,39/40 Kickham Street, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary
McCauley Pharmacy, Unit 1 Dunnes Stores SC, Davis Road, Co. Tipperary
Morrison's Pharmacy, Church St, Townparks, Cahir, Co. Tipperary
Murphy's Pharmacy Templemore, Main Street, Kiltillane, Templemore, Co. Tipperary
Shane Kelly Pharmacy,    52-53 Main Street, Tipperary Town, Co. Tipperary
Liberty Pharmacy,34 Lower Liberty Square, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
John Carey Pharmacist Ltd, Main Street, Clogheen, Cahir Co. Tipperary, E21VK37
Lloyds Carrick - On – Suir,83 main Street Co. Tipperary, E32 N672
McCauley Pharmacy, Tipperary Primary Care Centre, Rosanna Road, Co. Tipperary, E34 K682
McGrath's Pharmacy, The Square, Cappawhite, Co. Tipperary, E34 YV63
Lloyds Thurles Pharmacy, Friary Street, Co. Tipperary, E41 TD81
McCabes Pharmacy, Kickham St, Thurles Townparks, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, E41 V067
Hylands Careplus Pharmacy, Main Street, Templemore, Co. Tipperary, E41R3K5
Lloyds Oakville S.C., Oakville S.C., Co. Tipperary, E91 N159
O’Sullivan Fethard Pharmacy,  Main St, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, E91F8H4
Collins Pharmacy, Main Street, Ballina, Co. Tipperary, V94 WR60