Why have I been asked to take home readings?
You may have been asked to record readings at home to help your clinician:
- Monitor your condition more accurately over time
- Assess how well your treatment or medication is working
- Detect changes that might not show during a one-off clinic visit
- Make informed decisions about your ongoing care
Home readings are an important part of managing certain conditions, and your input plays a vital role in your treatment plan.
Buying or hiring a blood pressure machine
Home blood pressure monitors can be bought at many pharmacies/local supermarkets. They cost between £20 – £30 to buy. Our on-site Pharmacy @ Holt Surgery usually has some in stock.
If you do not have a home blood pressure monitor and cannot purchase one, you can hire one from Holt Surgery. A £20 cash deposit will be needed before you can take the monitor away with you. It must be returned within 14 days otherwise you will lose the deposit.
For more information, please contact reception.
Should everyone send in blood pressure readings?
No. Please do not submit home readings unless you have been specifically asked to do so by a clinician.
Submitting readings without a clinical request may lead to delays or confusion in your care.
If you have been advised to submit some home blood pressure readings, please follow these instructions on how to take your readings accurately.
How to take your blood pressure readings from home
- Rest for at least 5 minutes before taking your measurement. Sit quietly in a comfortable, upright position.
- Use the same arm each time (usually your left), and ensure the cuff is correctly positioned on bare skin.
- Take two readings, at least 1 minute apart, and record both.
- Take your readings at the same time each day (unless advised otherwise).
If you’re unsure how to take your readings or whether you should be using the readings form, please contact reception before proceeding.
How will I submit my blood pressure readings?
- If we have your mobile phone number on your record, you will record your blood pressure readings via text message. Over the 7 days, the Practice will send you a regular text prompting you to take and record your blood pressure readings twice a day. Your responses will be saved directly into your record.
- If you do not have a mobile phone, you can record your blood pressure readings on our home reading form. You can download and complete this on your computer or print a copy and hand write your readings where indicated. Once it is complete, you should return it to reception, and it will be scanned to your record.
- You can download a copy of the blood pressure readings form here or visit Holt reception and ask for a copy.