Blood pressure check · Alfreton, Derbyshire
Free NHS blood pressure checks in Alfreton.
A quick, free in-pharmacy check for adults aged 40 and over with no existing hypertension diagnosis, plus a free 24-hour ambulatory monitor for patients who need a closer look. Walk in, book online, or come from your GP.
Book online
Book your blood pressure check.
Pick a 15-minute slot, or just walk in during opening hours, whichever is easier.
What to expect
A quick check, a clear answer.
The whole appointment takes around 10 minutes. We do it in a private area, explain the result, and talk you through what (if anything) needs to happen next.
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1
Sit, settle, take the reading
A couple of minutes sitting quietly so the reading is accurate. Then one reading on a clinical-grade monitor, sometimes two for a more reliable result.
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2
What the numbers mean
We explain the two numbers and where your reading sits in the standard NHS ranges. No jargon, no guesswork, no "you'll need to ask your doctor".
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3
Next steps, if any
Fine? You're done. Borderline or high? We can book you straight in for a 24-hour ambulatory monitor, a more accurate way to confirm whether your blood pressure is genuinely raised before involving your GP.
24-hour ambulatory monitor
When one reading isn't enough.
A 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) is a small device on a belt with a cuff on your upper arm. It takes a reading roughly every 30 minutes through the day and overnight, so we get a much more accurate picture than a single in-pharmacy reading. Free on the NHS: we submit through the NHS hypertension case-finding service.
Who it's for
Two routes in.
- After an in-pharmacy check. If your reading is high or borderline, we book you straight in. No GP visit needed in between.
- Referred by your GP surgery. If your surgery has asked you to have an ambulatory monitor fitted, you can book that with us directly. We send the results back to them.
Free under the NHS for both routes. We submit your case through the NHS hypertension case-finding service, so you pay nothing.
What's involved
Two short visits.
- Fitting (about 15 minutes). We fit the monitor and cuff, show you how to wear it overnight, and run through what to do if it stops working. You go about your day (work, walking, sleeping) while the monitor takes readings on its own.
- Return the next day (5 minutes). You drop the device back. We download the readings, the pharmacist reviews them, and we share the result with you and your GP where appropriate.
Book your ambulatory monitor fitting.
Free on the NHS under hypertension case-finding. Whether you're a GP referral or following a high reading with us, just bring any referral details to your fitting.
If the booking panel doesn't load, call us on 01773 836328.
Understanding the numbers
What does my reading mean?
Blood pressure is two numbers: the upper one (systolic, the squeeze) and the lower one (diastolic, the rest). These are the standard NHS ranges for adults. The pharmacist explains what your specific reading means in context, and what to do next.
Aim for the green. At your check we tell you exactly where your reading sits, and what to do next.
Ranges from NHS guidance for adults. A single high reading is not a diagnosis; we will repeat it or arrange a 24-hour monitor where appropriate.
Eligibility
Who gets the free NHS check?
The NHS funds the free check for adults most likely to benefit from earlier detection of high blood pressure.
Free on the NHS if you:
- Are aged 40 or over
- Have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure already
- Have not had a free NHS check in the past 12 months
If you do not meet the criteria (for example, you are under 40, or you already have a diagnosis), you can still ask for a check. A small private fee may apply for under-40s without symptoms, and we are happy to take a reading for you at any time during opening hours.
If you already have a diagnosis and want a routine reading between GP appointments, just pop in and we will help.
Common questions
Blood pressure check FAQ.
Who is eligible for the free NHS blood pressure check?
Adults aged 40 and over who have not already been diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) are eligible for the free NHS check. People under 40 can still request a check; a small private fee may apply.
How long does the check take?
Usually about 10 minutes from arrival to leaving. We take the reading in a private area, explain what the numbers mean and what to do next.
What happens if my reading is high?
We may take a second reading or book you straight in for a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM). This is more accurate than a single in-pharmacy reading. If your reading is very high we will arrange follow-up with your GP, who can confirm a diagnosis and start treatment if needed.
Do you do 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)?
Yes. We offer the 24-hour ambulatory monitor for free under the NHS hypertension case-finding service. Two routes: either as a follow-up if your in-pharmacy reading is high or borderline, or as a direct GP referral if your surgery has asked you to have one fitted. We send the results back to your GP where appropriate.
Can I book the 24-hour monitor without seeing my GP?
Yes, if you've had a high or borderline in-pharmacy reading with us we can book the ambulatory monitor straight in for you. If you've come from your GP surgery with a referral, you can also book directly with us. Either way, the service is free under the NHS.
Do I need to prepare for the check?
No fasting needed. Try to avoid caffeine, smoking or heavy exercise for about 30 minutes before, sit quietly for a few minutes when you arrive, and wear something that lets us roll up a sleeve.
How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
If you are 40 or over with no diagnosis, the NHS recommends a check every five years. If you have a previous high reading or family history, your GP or pharmacist may suggest more often.
Where are you and which areas do you cover?
Medicine Stop is a walk-in NHS pharmacy on Church Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7BD. We see patients from across Alfreton and the wider Amber Valley area, including Somercotes, Riddings, Swanwick, Ripley and South Normanton.
Five minutes that could matter.
High blood pressure rarely has symptoms, so a quick check is the only way to know. Free for adults 40+ at Medicine Stop, Alfreton.