3 July 2026

A pioneering scheme that allows people to borrow blood pressure monitors for free from local libraries is helping residents across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan take charge of their health and detect and manage potential problems earlier.

Launched in Cardiff in January 2025, the initiative enables residents to borrow clinically validated blood pressure monitors from libraries and community hubs, just like borrowing a book. The scheme has proved hugely popular, with more than 1,300 loans recorded across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to date.

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases. Often known as the "silent killer", it can have no symptoms, meaning many people are unaware they have it. It is estimated that thousands of people in Wales are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. 

The scheme was developed through a partnership between Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and local council library services, with the aim of making blood pressure monitoring easier and more accessible for everyone. By removing the cost of purchasing a monitor and providing clear guidance on what readings mean, the programme supports people to monitor their health from the comfort of their own home.

Levels of uptake have been greatest in communities with high rates of socio-economic deprivation and general ill-health, so this scheme is helping to reduce inequalities by improving access to preventative healthcare amongst those who might need and benefit from it most.

Feedback from users has been positive, with people reporting increased confidence in monitoring their blood pressure and understanding when to seek advice. The scheme aims to help identify previously undiagnosed cases of high blood pressure, reducing the need for routine blood pressure checks in GP surgeries.

Dr Richard Baxter, GP Quality improvement lead at Cardiff and Vale UHB, said: "High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so checking it regularly is one of the best things you can do for your health. 

"If you're concerned about your blood pressure, there's no need to book a GP appointment straight away. Instead, take your blood pressure at home when you're relaxed and follow the guidance provided with the monitor. If your readings are consistently within the normal range, you can share these with your GP if needed. If your readings are high, repeat the readings over at least a week and contact your GP if they remain elevated. This scheme makes it easier for people to check their blood pressure accurately at home and seek medical advice when it's needed."

Residents can borrow a monitor free of charge from participating libraries across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. You can find your nearest hub or library in Cardiff here and Vale here.