Heart experts held a pop-up clinic in East Oxford Health Centre giving patients the chance to learn more about their heart health and blood pressure in a community setting.
The Cardiovascular Clinical Research Facility (CCRF), linked to the University of Oxford, worked with CHP and other clinical colleagues to promote their work in heart research, focusing on high blood pressure, diabetes, and women’s health.
The CCRF team valued the opportunity to educate individuals on what their pulse and blood pressure readings mean. This hands-on approach demystifies crucial health indicators and empowered people with knowledge about their own cardiovascular well-being.
This is particularly significant as it highlighted the message of Blood Pressure Week (September 8 to 12). This national initiative, led by Blood Pressure UK, reinforces the importance of knowing your numbers and taking control of your cardiovascular health. The CCRF’s pop-up clinic serves as a timely and practical contribution to this vital public health campaign.
Knowing your blood pressure is vital. High blood pressure, often dubbed the “silent killer,” frequently presents with no obvious symptoms. Without regular checks, many people are unaware they have the condition. Untreated, high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
Events like this pop-up clinic raise awareness and encourage proactive health management within the community. They support the government’s key messaging and health missions to deliver ill health prevention.
Passers by were eager to have their blood pressure checked and learn about the risk factors for heart disease and stroke. We even discovered that some people unknowingly had high blood and were able to signpost them to their GP for formal screening
Throughout the morning, members of the public stopped by to find out more about the exciting and important research we're involved in. It was a fantastic opportunity to share insights into our work, answer questions, and discuss the relevance of cardiovascular research
Events such as the pop-up with CCRF and our tenants, are important for us to support the Government in their mission to promote prevention within the community. CHP buildings are designed to be hubs within their neighbourhoods and we look forward to delivering more events like this in the future.
Find out more about Buildings at the Heart of the Community
CHP’s Buildings at the Heart of the Community initiative aims to encourage local community groups and charities to make the most of our buildings by enabling the use of space in our centres to host health and wellbeing related events.
