Since extending their health and wellbeing offer with the launch of a new blood pressure monitor scheme in November 2024, Cardiff Library Hubs have just reached the landmark number of 1,000 loans of the devices.
In the same way as library card holders can borrow books and other resources from facilities across the city, members of the public have been able to take advantage of the new loan scheme that has allowed them to keep track of their blood pressure.
The scheme has been a welcomed health and wellbeing initiative from the Hubs and Libraries service, working in partnership with Cardiff and Vale Local Public Health Team and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and supporting the goal of delivering activity to help reduce health inequalities across the city.
One in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure but many don’t realise it. If untreated, high blood pressure over a period of time can lead to a number of health problems including stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, vascular dementia and diabetes.
Being more aware of their blood pressure can enable individuals to make positive lifestyle changes such as such as getting active, keeping to a healthy weight, eating healthily, stopping smoking or taking medication, to avoid these negative outcomes.
However, even when people are advised to monitor their blood pressure, the cost of buying a device can be a barrier.
Since November 2024, monitors validated by the British and Irish Hypertension Society for home use have be available to borrow for three-week periods to enable residents to carry out their own monitoring at home. Customers have been provided with a booklet containing information about why it’s important to monitor blood pressure, causes of high blood pressure, how to use the device and record results and what to do if they are concerned about the readings they take.
Members of the community who’d like to borrow a device but don’t currently have a library card can sign up for one at their local hub or library.
A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer this service to our customers. Many people can feel agitated when having their blood pressure taken in a healthcare setting, which can affect the accuracy of their reading. By borrowing a device from their local library or hub, customers can carry out the monitoring in the comfort of their own home and take action to improve their own health.”
Additional funding has been secured recently from Cardiff and Vale Local Public Health Team to replicate the scheme in the Vale of Glamorgan, where residents there can now borrow blood pressure monitors from community libraries and hubs.
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “Our libraries are much more than places to borrow books – they are accessible community spaces that play an increasingly important role in supporting people’s health and wellbeing.
“By allowing residents to borrow blood pressure monitors, libraries across the Vale are helping residents to look after their health, while removing cost as a barrier. Supporting people in this way can make a real difference in identifying and treating health issues earlier and help ease pressure on vital services over time too.”
Claire Beynon, Executive Director of Public Health at Cardiff and Vale UHB, added: “We are delighted to work in partnership with both local authorities to provide this innovative scheme. Many people can feel agitated when having their blood pressure taken in a healthcare setting, which can affect the accuracy of their reading. By borrowing a device from their local library or hub, customers can carry out the monitoring in the comfort of their own home and take action to improve their own health.”
There are two ways you can borrow a monitor:
- You can see availability and reserve a blood pressure monitor online through the library catalogue. You will be contacted when you can collect this from your local Hub or library.
- You can visit your local Hub or library and speak to a member of staff. You will need to be a member of the library to borrow a blood pressure monitor.
More information on the Cardiff Hubs and Vale of Glamorgan Libraries websites.