People urged to self-test after more than a third of adults studied in Suffolk and north east Essex have raised blood pressure

A new study has found that more than a third of people using self-serve health check machines in community locations across Suffolk and north east Essex had at-risk or high-risk blood pressure readings.

Between June 2024 and May 2025, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) deployed SiSU health stations across 19 community sites, along with two additional units on mobile health buses, to expand access to health checks in areas facing higher levels of health inequality or increased risk of hypertension. 

SiSU health stations conduct a range of health checks such as blood pressure readings, stress levels and BMI (body mass index) scores.  

Hypertension in Suffolk and north east Essex has been recorded as 15.9%, which is higher than the regional average of 14.3% and England average of 14.0%. 

An evaluation of the stations, carried out by researchers from the University of Suffolk’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing on behalf of the Integrated Care Academy, reported that nearly 10,000 users had taken the health checks, with one in five participants who undertook a health check returning a high blood pressure reading. 

A further 15% had a blood pressure score considered ‘at-risk’. 

Around half – 51% - were newly identified cases, meaning they had not had a blood pressure check in the last 12 months. 

Among locations with the highest detection rates were the Port of Felixstowe, Newbury Community Centre in Bury St Edmunds and The Stevenson Centre in Sudbury, as well as the mobile stations on the Ipswich and East Suffolk Alliance Be Well Bus and North East Essex Open Road Bus. 

The evaluation report authors recommended the stations be prioritised for these locations in future and should implement reminders for follow-ups or incentives to boost remedial action. 

Professor Valerie Gladwell, Director of the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Suffolk, said: “High blood pressure can often show no symptoms but can lead to serious problems such as strokes or heart attacks, so identifying this early is important for enabling people to take action to reduce their risk. 

“The deployment of the SiSU stations has shown promise for identifying undiagnosed high-risk or at-risk blood pressure in communities with health inequalities, so we have recommended the station locations are prioritised for those with the highest detection rates in future to maximise impact.” 

Dr Jon Ferdinand, GP and Clinical Lead for Long Term Conditions at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “The results of the study show that deploying the SiSU health stations in these areas has been an effective strategy and it adds to the current opportunities for the public to assess themselves.  

“I would encourage everyone to measure their blood pressure and act on the advice provided. Don't just assume your blood pressure is OK – it’s easy to find out!" 

Jez Ellerd-Styles, Director of Growth at SiSU Health UK, said: “This evaluation highlights the important role accessible, community-based health checks can play in identifying undiagnosed high blood pressure, particularly in areas facing health inequalities. 

“By meeting people where they are, SiSU Health Stations provide a digital front door to earlier awareness and action. 

“We welcome the recommendations to strengthen follow-up so even more people can be supported to manage their long-term health. With future opportunities to align with the proposed neighbourhoods strategy the future looks bright for health prevention for all.” 

The locations of SiSU health stations and other ways people can test their blood pressure – or get it tested by a professional – are listed on the ICB’s wellbeing website here.

The full evaluation report can be read online here.