Healthwatch at St. Hilda’s: Community Connections in Redcar
We offered free blood pressure checks throughout the morning, supporting a large number of people to better understand their health.
From those we supported:
- 1 low reading
- 8 within a healthy range
- 5 slightly raised
- 4 high readings
Alongside this, we provided trusted health information and advice, helping people make informed decisions about their wellbeing, especially those with high blood pressure readings.
We asked about using digital tools to access their healthcare, in particularly the NHS App. While some people use it for things like repeat prescriptions or test results, many shared a preference for traditional ways of accessing services, such as phone calls or face-to-face contact. Reasons included lack of access to technology, low confidence with digital tools, or simply feeling more comfortable with familiar methods. We discussed the benefits of the app for getting information quicker without the need for waiting on the phone to the GP.
In some cases, family members help manage online access, while others prefer not to engage with digital systems at all.
By continuing to listen to local voices, we can ensure that community experiences - whether about health checks, local support, or access to services - help shape how services develop in the future.
