In September the Knowsley Working Well programme joins forces with the Halton Health Improvement Team to provide a FREE event that will create life-saving champions for Knowsley businesses.

Blood Pressure Champions will be given the knowledge, confidence and equipment to measure colleague’s blood pressure within the workplace. Training is accredited and the aim of the project is to find colleagues with undiagnosed high blood pressure and help them find the treatment they need. Within the workplace this can help to keep employees healthy, increase wellbeing, improve productivity and reduce sickness absence. Each business will receive a Blood Pressure monitor on the day to take away with them*, along with BHF guidelines for all participants.

This case study, ‘in his own words’ highlights the importance of knowing your blood pressure and looking after your colleagues. James’ story is only possible thanks to his colleague who spotted his hypertension after completing their BP Champion Training…

“Hi my name is James and this is my story!

I was feeling okay and having a laugh with my colleague’s about who had the best blood pressure, it was becoming a competition to see who had the best numbers. Our new Blood Pressure Champion Nicky Taylor organised for us all to get checked over.

The first reading I had was 179/119 which shocked me a bit. (Not laughing so much now). The next day I abstained from drinking coffee and had another BP test which again came in at around the same reading. I left it a day then went for another BP test on Thursday which came in at about 180/120 which obviously left me a bit concerned.

The readings were obviously playing on my mind Friday and Saturday so on Sunday morning I decided to visit my local Walk-in-centre in Kirkby. They took two readings which were high and consistent with Nicky’s reading. The nurse in the walk-in centre referred me within the hour to an emergency doctor based at the Huyton walk-in-centre.

The emergency doctor took more readings which were again high and consistent with the other tests done. As my general well-being was fine, the doctor didn’t refer me to hospital but got me to make an appointment with my local GP immediately but advised me to go to hospital immediately if I experienced any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

I visited my GP on Monday who again advised my Blood Pressure was high and to revisit on the Wednesday for another reading and if still high, I would then be on medication for life for this.

After another reading on the Wednesday I was prescribed with Blood Pressure tablets and I am currently under review from a blood pressure nurse to ensure I’m not having any side effects.

My last blood pressure reading was perfect and healthy so the check was fully worthwhile and significantly reduced my changes of having a stroke or heart attack whereas I was previously in danger of this.

In my opinion Nicky Taylor, thanks to her BP Champion training, saved my life!

*Blood Pressure machines are provided on the day with T’s&C’s regarding usage which will be explained at the event.