What is blood pressure monitoring?
Patients with hypertension (high blood pressure) may benefit from blood pressure monitoring. We use a service called Connect Me, which allows you to easily send your blood pressure readings to us from wherever you are – either online, via text, or via an automated phone call system. People using the service will be reminded to send their blood pressure readings in regularly.
Who is this for?
One of our nurses will talk to you, if they’d like you to use Connect Me. They’ll tell you about the service, and how it can help you.
What will I need?
In order to use the blood pressure service, you’ll need access to:
- A telephone, mobile, smartphone, laptop or tablet to submit your readings – any text you send are free to you.
- A mobile phone signal, or a broadband or WiFi internet connection, to connect your device to.
A blood pressure monitor and cuff – we may be able to provide you with one, and show you how to use it. Please ask us, if you aren’t able to get your own blood pressure monitor to use at home.
What will I be asked for?
You’ll be asked to submit your blood pressure readings, which consists of two numbers systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower).
You may be receive messages to submit your blood pressure readings every day for two weeks, or less frequently for a longer period of time – the nurse will discuss this with you.
Connect Me will automatically send you back advice to get in touch with your GP if the readings you submit aren’t within safe limits.
What do we do with your readings?
We receive regular reports from Connect Me to help us decide if your blood pressure is staying within safe limits, if you need medication, if any medication your on needs changing, or if there’s any advice we could give you to help you stay as healthy as possible.
We’ll get in touch with you, if we need to discuss anything with you after reviewing the blood pressure readings you’ve submitted.
What else should I know?
We hope you find Connect Me easy to use and a helpful tool for living a healthy life.
If you don’t want to carry on using Connect Me, you can opt-out at any time. If you use the app or patient portal you can use the opt-out task. If you use text messaging you can use the automated phone call version and select 2 on your keypad to opt-out.
Important!
Your readings may not be viewed by a health professional straight away. If you need medical assistance you should phone us, or call NHS 24 on 111. In case of an emergency, dial 999.
How to register to use Connect Me
Please contact the practice and ask for a phone appointment with Health Care Assistant Susan Todd. Click for more information or a Blood Pressure monitoring form.
