Horizon Leisure opens ‘blood pressure pod’ at Wellbeing Hub in Havant

Horizon Leisure has launched a SurgeryPod at its Wellbeing Hub in the Meridian Shopping Centre in Havant. Members of the public can have their blood pressure measured at the hub with readings then being fed directly into local GP’s databases. Hampshire-based residents don’t need to make an appointment, they can simply turn up, use the ‘pod’ to take their blood pressure and the results will automatically be fed back to their GP practice.

Hosting the SurgeryPod in a non-clinical setting is a new concept for Horizon, a charitable trust which operates multi-activity community wellbeing centres across Havant, Waterlooville and Guildford.

The scheme forms part of NHS England’s Innovation for Healthcare Inequalities Programme (InHIP.) The programme has been coordinated by Health Innovation Wessex in a joined up approach with local GP practices, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, plus the Hampshire Public Health team, who have funded the SurgeryPod.

Local GP surgeries in Havant are also inviting patients to the Wellness Hub who have not had a blood pressure check in the last five years to encourage better cardiovascular disease prevention locally. The installation of the SurgeryPod follows the opening of the Wellbeing Hub last year, which is conveniently located on the ground floor of the shopping mall.

There are now plans to expand the services offered by the SurgeryPod, from being able to help people quit smoking, monitor weight management and deliver contraceptive pill reviews.