15 May 2026
A Devon initiative enabling residents to borrow blood pressure monitors from local libraries has been recognised through a nomination for an NHS national excellence award.
The ‘One Devon’ scheme, led by Devon County Council Public Health, Libraries Unlimited and NHS Devon Integrated Care Board, was launched in September 2025 as part of a wider campaign encouraging people to regularly check their blood pressure.
More than 50 libraries across Devon now offer blood pressure kits for loan, allowing residents to monitor their readings at home for up to three weeks. Each kit includes a monitor, guidance on how to take readings, a recording diary, and advice on next steps if blood pressure is found to be high.
The initiative aims to support earlier identification of high blood pressure, which remains one of the leading risk factors linked to strokes, heart disease, and other serious health conditions.
Organisers say the scheme also highlights the growing role of libraries as wider community wellbeing hubs, providing access not only to books and digital services, but also to practical health and wellbeing support within local communities.
The project has been highlighted as an example of partnership working between health services, public health teams, and community organisations to improve preventative healthcare and accessibility.
