New NHS programme to help Northampton and Wellingborough residents manage high blood pressure
From October, people living with high blood pressure in the neighbourhoods of central Northampton and Wellingborough will be able to access a new package of free support, designed to help improve their health and reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The Northamptonshire High Blood Pressure Support Programme, funded by the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Healthcare Implementation Fund, is being launched in partnership with local GP practices to support working-age adults whose high blood pressure is not currently well controlled.
High blood pressure remains the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the UK and is linked to around half of all strokes and heart attacks, contributing to approximately 80,000 deaths each year.
This new programme brings together community-based support, home-based exercise and digital self-management tools to offer people flexible ways to take control of their heart health.
Eligible patients will be aged 18-69 and have uncontrolled high blood pressure recorded in their GP records. They will be contacted directly by participating GP practices by text message and invited to take part in the programme.
Dr Azhar Ali, Clinical Lead for the programme at NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board, said: "High blood pressure is often called the 'silent killer' because many people do not experience symptoms, yet it remains one of the biggest risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
“This programme gives people practical, flexible support to help manage their blood pressure in ways that fit around their lives. By working closely with local communities and primary care teams, we hope to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and empower more people to take control of their cardiovascular health."
Participants will be able to access:
- Group Health Coaching offering practical advice and peer support.
- A simple, evidence-based exercise programme using ISOBand resistance exercise bands.
- The myHeart app, which supports blood pressure monitoring, healthy lifestyle changes and self-management.
People can choose the support that works best for them, whether it be one, two, or all of these offers. Participation is entirely voluntary.
Judy O'Sullivan, Director of Innovation in Health Programmes at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Over 136,000 people are recorded as having high blood pressure in Northamptonshire. It is so important that every one of these people has equal access to the care and advice they need to get this dangerous risk factor under control.
"We're proud to be supporting programmes like this, which help primary care clinicians reach out to communities that may struggle to access healthcare. If this programme helps people keep their high blood pressure controlled, it could help save lives in Northamptonshire."
Patients who are eligible will receive communications directly from participating GP practices. Patients with high blood pressure are encouraged to look out for NHS text messages relating to the programme. As the programme is being rolled out on a surgery-by-surgery basis, patients should not contact their surgery about the programme unless they receive a text message; however, for more information or to check if your surgery is involved, please email: blood.pressuresupport@nhs.net.
The programme has been designed to reach people who may face barriers to accessing traditional healthcare services, including those living in less affluent communities, people with lower digital confidence and individuals from underserved groups.
Local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations will play a key role in helping residents access support through trusted community networks.
The project is one of several initiatives supported through the British Heart Foundation's Innovation in Care programme, which aims to identify and scale new approaches that improve cardiovascular health outcomes.
Further information can be found at https://www.northantsgpalliance.com/projects/bhf-hypertension-programme-press/