A NEW three-month pilot from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) has been offering free blood pressure checks to vulnerable people across Wirral.

MFRS have been working in partnership with Champs Public Health Collaborative to deliver the pilot during 'Safe and Well' visits.

This partnership came about after Champs’ placed a successful bid to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to support the community based project aimed at preventing, detecting and managing cases of high blood pressure across Cheshire and Merseyside.

The BHF funding has allowed the MFRS to be equipped with standards compliant BP machines and to receive appropriate training.

Undertaken in conjunction with the NHS fire service staff can also provide advice on how to avoid a trip or fall at home, the benefits of quitting smoking or reducing alcohol consumption and awareness of the national bowel cancer screening programme.

The blood pressure checks are being offered to residents over the age of 65 and other at risk groups.

It is hoped that the initiative will increase opportunities for blood pressure testing and monitoring outside of GP practices as many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure which can often leading to on-going health problems.

To promote the campaign, chief fire officer Dan Stephens also had is blood pressure checked by a trained member of staff.

He said said: “We are pleased to be working alongside Champs Public Health Collaborative to take part in this pilot programme, offering blood pressure checks for those who need them most during our Safe and Well visits.

"This multi-agency approach will hopefully lead to more at-risk individuals being identified and treated.”