Camden launches free self-service health checks
Camden Council is rolling out community health and wellbeing pods for residents to check their blood pressure and other essential health information – without having to book an appointment with a GP.
The community health and wellbeing pods are free, private, self-service kiosks in community spaces. Residents can use them to check key health measures, such as blood pressure, weight and BMI.
The first pod launched last month (August) at the Somers Town Living Centre and further pods are being installed, including at the Netherwood Youth Centre and Family Hub in Kilburn.
The Council hopes the pods will improve access to health checks, increase early identification of health concerns, and empower residents to better understand and manage their health.
The pods will also help to address health inequalities in Camden by reaching residents who may not regularly access healthcare, by offering convenience, privacy, and a multilingual service in a trusted community setting.
In the several weeks since the first pod was launched, around 40 residents have completed health and wellbeing checks, including 23 blood pressure checks.
“It is vital that residents feel empowered to access essential health services. Camden has commissioned these pods to make it easy and convenient for residents to check their health in a private, local setting, while also helping to alleviate pressure on the NHS.
“We want to raise awareness this Know Your Numbers week. Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of premature death and is a contributor to health inequalities in Camden. Our research shows that these kiosks increase the early detection and management of cardiovascular risk, as well as engagement with people at greater risk.
"This ‘Know Your Numbers!’ Week, we encourage all residents to know their numbers by checking their blood pressure - using our new pods, at a local community pharmacy, at home, or during routine contact with their GP practice."
“I found the pod very easy to use. I put in my details, checked my blood pressure and my height, and I got all the information I needed. I would encourage anyone to check their blood pressure here.”
Blood pressure awareness week
The rollout of health pods from Camden Council coincides with Know Your Numbers! week, the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing and awareness event.
High blood pressure is very common – about a third of UK adults have it, but many are not aware of it – and it can lead to health problems including heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease and some types of dementia.
High blood pressure doesn’t usually have any symptoms, so a blood pressure check is the only way to identify it.
Checking blood pressure is especially important if you’re a man, from a Black or South Asian background, or if you have a family history of high blood pressure.