Free blood pressure checks available in twelve Offaly pharmacies this Thursday

Twelve pharmacies in Offaly are offering once-off free blood pressure checks next Thursday, 18 January, to support National Blood Pressure Day 2024.

The project is the brainchild of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) in partnership with RTÉ’s Operation Transformation

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.[1]”

Risks of allowing high blood pressure to go untreated include higher likelihood of developing a number of conditions including: heart disease, stroke, dementia and 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.”

The full list of pharmacies taking part in Offaly is as follows: CGH Allcare Pharmacy, Unit 1/2 Banagher Town centre, Dolan’s Pharmacy, 5 William Street, Tullamore, HealthPoint Pharmacy Group, Mangan’s Filling Station, Dublin Rd, Edenderry, Mulholland’s Pharmacy, O’Connell St, Townparks, Birr, Tully’s Lif Pharmacy, 5 Harbour Street, Tullamore, Pettit’s Allcare Pharmacy, The Square, Clara, Staywell Clonminch Pharmacy, Clonminch Road, Tullamore, Stratus healthcare pharmacy 
Tullamore primary care centre , Church View, Tullamore, Rose Finlay totalhealth Pharmacy, Main St., Tullamore, McCormacks Pharmacy, Kilbeggan Bridge, Arden Road, Tullamore, Banagher totalhealth Pharmacy, Banagher primary care centre , Kylebeg, Banagher and Ferbane totalhealth Pharmacy, Athlone Road, Ferbane.

A full list of participating pharmacies across the country is available on the Operation Transformation website at: https://ot.rte.ie/events/national-blood-pressure-day