Free Blood Pressure check for shoppers
As the campaign to revive Hartlepool's Indoor Market really takes a hold, shoppers are being given the chance to bag a free health check whilst browsing for bargains.
Every Saturday, experts from IntraHealth – the GP service provider for NHS Hartlepool – will be at the Market Hall in the town's Middleton Grange Shopping Centre to undertake free blood pressure checks for those wanting the once-over without having to go to their GP.
The stall has already helped hundreds of passers-by who have had a quick check-up and has enabled IntraHealth’s team to also promote other NHS campaigns such as "Change for life" which is aimed at young people.
Dr David Anderson FRCGP, IntraHealth’s Medical Director, said: "A lot of people are not aware they have high blood pressure and because they are not feeling ill they won't bother going to their doctor. It is quite satisfying in some respects because in the few Saturdays we have been in the Market Hall we have many people who were not aware their blood pressure reading was high.
"If we hadn't tapped them on the shoulder and asked them to take a test, it could have been years before they found out, by which time a lot of damage could have been done."
Amongst those to have taken advantage of the blood pressure check were Eddie Duffy and Eileen McCallum from the West View area of Hartlepool.
Fifty eight-year-old Eddie, an industrial painter, told us he regularly has his blood pressure checked at his GP surgery but his trip to the market flagged up a high reading, while partner Eileen recorded a healthy measurement.
Eddie explained: "I get it checked at my GPs every six months and was due to for another test soon. I had my reading done today and it turned out to be quite high. It may be something to do with the fact that I have just come back from my holidays but I am going to make an appointment with the doctor sooner rather than later to have it checked out."
Dr Anderson added: "In many instances, people's blood pressure has been fine, but that only goes to make their day and remove any anxieties they might have."
The IntraHealth blood pressure stall is located towards the back of Hartlepool Indoor Market and is open every Saturday between 9am and 4.30pm.
