Submit readings
Sometimes we ask you to take readings at home and send them to us. This could be your blood pressure, your weight or your blood sugar. This page explains how to send them and how to take them properly.
Do not use this route for urgent problems. If you need help today, call us on 01708 552 072 when we are open. When we are closed, call 111 or go to 111.nhs.uk (opens in a new tab).
How to send your readings
When we ask you for readings, we send you a text message with a link. Reply using the link and type in your readings. The text comes from our messaging service, Accurx.
If you have not had a text, or you cannot use it, write your readings down and hand them in at the front desk. You can also read them to us by phone on 01708 552 072.
What to include
- your full name and date of birth
- the date and time of each reading
- for blood pressure, both numbers (for example 128/82) and your pulse if your monitor shows it
- for weight, the number in kilograms, or stones and pounds
- for blood sugar, the reading and whether it was before or after a meal
- anything we asked you to note, such as how you felt
What happens next
A doctor, nurse or pharmacist looks at your readings and adds them to your record. We will contact you if anything needs to change, such as your medicines. We reply within 2 working days.
If you have not heard from us by then, call us to check we received your readings.
How to take your blood pressure at home
Use a monitor with a cuff that goes around your upper arm. Choose one that has been validated by the British and Irish Hypertension Society. Many pharmacies sell them.
- Sit quietly for a few minutes first. Do not take a reading straight after exercise, caffeine or a cigarette.
- Sit upright with your back supported and your feet flat on the floor.
- Rest your arm on a table, with the cuff on your bare upper arm. You should be able to fit 2 fingers under the cuff.
- Press start and do not talk while the monitor is working.
- Write down the reading, wait 1 minute, then take it again.
- Do this twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, for as many days as we ask.
We look at all your readings together, not just one. A home reading of 135/85 or higher counts as high. If most of your readings are above this, we will talk to you about what to do.
- Find out how to check your blood pressure at home (NHS website) (opens in a new tab)
- Find out how to choose a blood pressure monitor (British Heart Foundation) (opens in a new tab)
- Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks (opens in a new tab)
How to weigh yourself
Weigh yourself at the same time of day, on the same scales, in light clothes. Once a week is usually enough, unless we ask for more.
Blood sugar readings
Only send blood sugar readings if you have a meter and we, or your diabetes team, have asked you to. Test at the times you were told, for example before breakfast. Write down the number and the time.
If your reading is very low or very high and you feel unwell, follow your diabetes team's advice.
When to get help straight away
Do not wait for our reply if you feel unwell. Get help today if you have a very high reading and a bad headache, blurred vision or a nosebleed.
Immediate action required: If it's a life-threatening emergency, call 999
If you need help today, call us on 01708 552 072 when we are open. When we are closed, call 111 or go to 111.nhs.uk (opens in a new tab).