01
Walk in or pre-book
Drop in any time during opening hours, or book a 10-minute slot online to skip the wait.
NHS Hypertension Case-Finding
Free NHS blood pressure check.
Walk-in or pre-booked blood pressure checks for adults aged 40 and over — performed by a trained team member with results and clear next steps in around 10 minutes.
- About 10 minutesAppointment
- Free on the NHSCost
- Adults aged 40+Eligibility
What is the NHS Blood Pressure Check service?
High blood pressure (hypertension) usually has no symptoms but is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease. The NHS Hypertension Case-Finding Service offers free blood pressure checks through community pharmacies so people who don't yet know they have high blood pressure can be identified early.
At Qrystal Pharmacy the check takes around 10 minutes. We use a validated clinical-grade monitor to measure your blood pressure, explain the reading immediately, and — if it's elevated — arrange a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) appointment so a more accurate picture can be sent to your GP.
There's no charge, no GP referral, and no need to be registered at a specific surgery. If you're 40 or over and haven't had your blood pressure checked in the last six months, we'd encourage you to come in.
Who can have a free check?
The NHS service is open to anyone in England who meets the criteria below — you don't need to be registered with a local GP to use it.
- Adults aged 40 and over
- No existing diagnosis of high blood pressure
- No blood pressure check carried out in the last six months
- Younger adults can also be offered a check if a pharmacist judges it clinically appropriate (for example, family history or symptoms)
You're not eligible if:
- Patients already diagnosed with hypertension — your GP or practice nurse should be reviewing this; we can still measure your reading on request as a private service
- Children and under-18s
How your appointment works
02
Quick check-in
A few short questions about your age, GP details, and whether you've been checked recently — we use this to record your reading correctly under the NHS service.
03
Blood pressure measurement
Up to three readings, taken seated and rested, using a validated upper-arm monitor. The first reading is sometimes higher — we'll repeat if needed for accuracy.
04
Result & next steps
We explain your reading on the spot. If it's elevated, we'll book you in for a 24-hour ambulatory check (ABPM) and share results with your GP. If it's normal, we'll let you know when to come back.
What's included
- Up to three seated blood pressure readings on a clinical-grade monitor
- Plain-language explanation of your reading and what it means
- 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) if your reading is high
- Written record of your result, shared with your GP with your consent
- Lifestyle and self-monitoring advice — diet, activity, alcohol, salt, sleep
- Onward referral if your reading meets the threshold for urgent review
Blood pressure check — frequently asked questions
Is the check really free?
Yes — it's funded by the NHS Hypertension Case-Finding Service. There's no charge to you and you don't need to be registered with a specific GP surgery.
Do I need to book?
No, you can walk in any time during opening hours. Pre-booking a slot online means you won't have to wait if we're busy.
How should I prepare?
Avoid caffeine, smoking, and vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes before the check. Sit quietly for a few minutes when you arrive — the reading is more accurate when you're rested. Wear something with a loose sleeve.
What happens if my blood pressure is high?
A single high reading doesn't necessarily mean you have hypertension. We'll usually arrange a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure check (ABPM), which gives a much more accurate picture, and send the results to your GP for review.
What is ABPM?
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring uses a small device worn on your arm for 24 hours that takes readings automatically through the day and night. It's the most accurate way to diagnose hypertension and is included free if your in-pharmacy reading is elevated.
How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
If you're 40 or over with a normal reading, NHS guidance is at least every five years — more often if you have risk factors like family history, being overweight, or smoking.
Can I have a check if I'm under 40?
The free NHS service is funded for adults aged 40 and over, but a pharmacist may offer a check if there's a clinical reason — for example a strong family history of hypertension or relevant symptoms. Just ask us at the counter.
Will my GP find out?
With your consent we share your result and any ABPM report directly with your registered GP — that way they have it on file for any future reviews.
Other NHS Services
Pharmacy First
Treatment for seven common conditions without a GP appointment — see a pharmacist the same day.
Learn moreNew Medicine Service
Free pharmacist support if you've recently started a new medicine for a long-term condition.
Learn moreSeasonal Vaccinations
Free NHS flu and COVID-19 jabs for eligible patients during the autumn-winter season.
Learn moreKnow your numbers.
Walk in for a free NHS blood pressure check or book a 10-minute slot online — it could be the most important reading you take this year.