A free NHS blood pressure check, available without an appointment, with the result explained to you in person and a clear plan if anything needs follow-up.
High blood pressure rarely has symptoms, which is why getting it checked from time to time matters. We can do that here in five minutes, no GP appointment needed.
If you live or work in Selly Oak, Bournbrook, Bournville or Selly Park and you are 40 or over, your annual blood pressure check is free at the pharmacy — no GP appointment, no waiting list, no fuss.
Anyone aged 40 or over who has not had their blood pressure checked in the last six months is eligible for a free NHS check at the pharmacy.
If you are under 40 but have a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or are pregnant, please call ahead and we can usually still help — either as part of the NHS service or as a free walk-in courtesy.
We will sit with you in our private consultation room. The check itself takes a couple of minutes and is completely painless — a soft cuff around your upper arm that briefly inflates.
Most slightly raised readings turn out to be temporary — caused by stress, caffeine, having just walked in from outside. We will often offer to take a second reading 10 to 15 minutes later, which is usually different.
If your reading is consistently high, we will write to your GP with the result. The GP may ask you to come back for further checks or arrange a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM), which is the gold-standard test.
Selly Pharmacy can also fit ABPM monitors directly under the NHS scheme — your GP can refer you, or we can liaise with the surgery.
No, walk in any time during opening hours. If we are with another patient, we will book you in for the next slot — usually within 15 minutes.
No. The check is free under the NHS for eligible adults.
Around 10 minutes including the chat. Plan for 15 in case we are busy.
Yes, of course. You are welcome to bring a friend, family member or carer into the consultation room.
To book or ask a question, call 0121 472 0155. Walk-ins are welcome during opening hours, but a quick call ahead helps us be ready for you.
Quick answers to the things people most often ask. Anything else, just call us on 0121 472 0155 or pop in.
Right on Bristol Road, directly opposite Tesco Express and the Esso petrol station — two minutes from Selly Oak station, opposite the University of Birmingham campus, with on-street parking nearby. Walk in, or call ahead — we're easy to find and easier to talk to.